27/09/2026
The foundation have carried out a survey report on the Fishing Buddies progress.
You can also read the following with the comments feedback via
https://www.cambridgecharityfundraisers.com/news/fishing-buddies-evaluation-report-2026
See below the positive feedback that came back and how participants were able to positively engage with the project
Next session is on the 30th September 2026
If you are interested in participating follow the link
www.abler.io/shop/cambridgeunited
Fishing Buddies Evaluation Report 2026
Background and Progress
Ian Darler and Cambridge Charity Fund Raisers, supported by Cambridge United Foundation and CPSL MIND, established Fishing Buddies to provide people with an opportunity to come together to fish, talk and socialise. The events are sponsored by Wrenbridge Sport Ltd, M & M Plumbing & Heating, Angling Direct, along with Cambridge Fish Preservation Angling Club, Frasers Fishery and Rookery Waters and other contributors linked to Cambridge Charity Fund Raisers.
Three Fishing Buddies events have now taken place, providing participants with the opportunity to enjoy fishing in a relaxed and supportive environment. The programme is led by Ian Darler, who actively promotes good mental health following his own experience of mental health challenges after an accident. Ian’s personal experience, passion for fishing and commitment to bringing people together are central to the ethos of Fishing Buddies. The programmes direct cost is approximately £800 per event, excluding officer time, and is this is covered by Ian’s charitable fundraising activities.
Participant Feedback
At the third event, held on 26 August, 19 anglers attended.16 participants responded to a questionnaire asking about their experience of Fishing Buddies. The following is a summary of their responses.
Participants particularly valued the combination of fishing, companionship and spending time outdoors. Responses included “Meeting new people”, “Making new friends”, “Friendship and companionship” and “Friendship, company and talking to other people.” Others described the events as “A chilled day”, “Time to relax” and “Relaxing in a nice environment.”
The programme has also helped people to reconnect with fishing and overcome barriers to participation. One participant explained that they “needed that push to get fishing again after 20 years, whilst coping with illness.” Another described the event as “an excuse to get out of the house.” These comments demonstrate the value of providing a supportive reason for people to leave the house, participate in an enjoyable activity and connect with others.
Impact on Mental Wellbeing and Social Connection
The feedback strongly suggests that Fishing Buddies is providing more than an opportunity to fish. Participants repeatedly highlighted the importance of companionship, conversation and being with people who may have shared experiences.
One participant described the events as “a real help for those people struggling with mental health issues,” while another said, “Fishing helps by pushing your mind to forget your problems and worries. Nothing else does that.”
These comments are particularly significant because they demonstrate how the activity itself can provide a positive focus while creating an informal environment in which people feel able to talk and build relationships.
Satisfaction and Future Demand
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Participants described Fishing Buddies as “Amazing”, “Excellent”, “Brilliant”, “The best” and “Ten out of ten.” All 16 respondents indicated that they were likely to participate in future events, with comments including “Most definitely, it’s really helped me,” “Without a doubt” and “Please continue the events, they have helped me.”
Participants were equally enthusiastic about recommending Fishing Buddies to others. Every respondent indicated that they would be likely to tell a friend about the programme, with several stating that they had already recommended it and intended to continue doing so.
There was also clear support for the programme continuing into 2027, with all respondents indicating that they would attend again if events were offered next year. Comments included “A must for 2027,” “Don’t stop” and “I hope they will continue next year, it has been great to be a part of it!”
Personal Testimonies and wider Mental Health Awareness
The impact of Fishing Buddies has also been demonstrated through personal testimonies provided by participants at the event held on 26 August. Several participants chose to speak openly about their own experiences of poor wellbeing and mental health and the challenges they had faced. They described the value of Fishing Buddies in supporting their recovery and rehabilitation, providing an opportunity to get out, meet others, talk and participate in an activity that they enjoy.
With the participants’ agreement, three of these personal messages were subsequently shared through Cambridge United Foundation and CPSL Mind social media channels as part of CPSL Mind’s Stop Su***de campaign, supporting the campaign’s message that “One conversation can save a life.”
The testimonies provide an important additional dimension to the questionnaire findings. While the survey demonstrates the consistently positive views of participants as a group, the personal stories illustrate the potential difference Fishing Buddies can make to individuals experiencing mental health difficulties. They also demonstrate how the programme can provide a safe and informal setting in which conversations about mental health can take place.
Three Fishing Buddies participant messages were shared as part of the campaign:
Fishing Buddies participant testimony – CPSL Mind campaign
https://www.instagram.com/p/DdEpCZEjC9K/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Fishing Buddies participant testimony – CPSL Mind campaign
https://www.instagram.com/p/DdHN55GDQ1z/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Fishing Buddies participant testimony – CPSL Mind campaign
https://www.instagram.com/p/DdJQYzXj1m3/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Conclusion and Recommendation
The evaluation and personal testimonies provide compelling evidence that Fishing Buddies is achieving its core objectives. The programme is bringing people together, encouraging social interaction, providing opportunities to make friendships, helping participants reconnect with an enjoyable activity and creating a supportive environment in which people can talk about their experiences.
The strength and consistency of the feedback, combined with the unanimous demand for future events, demonstrate that Fishing Buddies is valued by its participants and is helpful in conveying wider messages to an audience beyond the lake side that “One conversation can save lives”. It is also valued by its sponsors and partners (CPSL MIND) who are keen to continue to support the programme. With a relatively modest direct delivery cost of approximately £800 per event, funded by Cambridge Charity Fund Raisers and its supporters, the programme appears to provide significant social and wellbeing benefits. CUFC and its Foundation provide officer time and this is not taken into account currently in the event costing.
There is a case for Fishing Buddies to continue in 2027 and, where resources allow, be developed to enable more people to benefit from this distinctive and highly valued approach to supporting mental wellbeing through fishing, friendship and community.
Prepared by: Graham Saint, Men’s Health Officer, Cambridge United Foundation
Cambridge United Football Club
