As Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 approaches with its focus on "community," cricket legend Phil Tufnell has teamed up with Andy's Man Club in a new Environment Agency rod licence campaign highlighting the mental wellbeing benefits of fishing communities.
"Fishing has always been that perfect escape when I need to switch off and clear my head. Nothing beats being out by the water with old mates or just enjoying some peace and quiet," Phil explained.
“For me, fishing has always been that perfect escape when I need to switch off and clear my head. Back when I was playing cricket at the highest level, it was my go-to way to escape all that pressure and just breathe," he added.
The campaign highlights how purchasing a fishing licence not only provides access to fishing but helps protect these valuable community spaces where meaningful connections are made, with some licence money funding social inclusion groups that provide mental wellbeing support through fishing.
New research from The Angling Trust reveals compelling insights about fishing and mental health:
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80% of anglers agree community is essential for mental wellbeing
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90% are more likely to discuss personal struggles while fishing with friends/relatives
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4 in 10 anglers struggle to discuss mental health in everyday settings
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57% cite "connections with like-minded people" as fishing's greatest benefits
Phil went on to say:
"Nothing beats being out by the water, waiting for a bite, having a laugh with old mates or just enjoying some peace and quiet.
"Chatting to the lads from Andy’s Man Club really opened my eyes to how days out with friends can be vital to help blokes open up and look out for each other.
"Your fishing licence isn’t just your ticket to a nice day out by the water – it keeps these nice places up and running, where people can come together and be part of a community and have a break from those pressures of life – and let’s be honest, we all need a bit of that don’t we?”
YOU CAN WATCH THE INTERVIEW WITH PHIL AND ANDY'S MAN CLUB HERE...
Stuart Fawcett, South Area Manager at Andy’s Man Club added:
“The work we do at Andy’s Man Club is rooted in providing men with a supportive community and all the benefits that come with it. This is why it made perfect sense for us to take part in this campaign to highlight the community and wellbeing benefits of fishing.
"I've been an angler since childhood, but in my adult life, it has allowed me to forge meaningful friendships, which isn't always easy for men.
"I remember having difficult weeks and receiving a phone call from a fishing buddy inviting me out for a spot of fishing. It was exactly the kind of support I needed at that time, without having to ask for it. That's what's so key about the fishing community: it provides companionship and a shared interest that is essential for our wellbeing.
"This Mental Health Awareness Week we're encouraging everyone to discover how activities like angling can build the supportive communities we all need for better mental health—so pick up your rod licence, join fellow anglers by the water, and become part of a community that values connection as much as the catch.”