Community project receives funding from police to help people in Helston

A community interest company (CIC) in Cornwall called Tight Lines, which aids people's mental health through the sport of fishing, has received funding from the Police through the Proceeds of Crime Act.

This is money seized from criminals which was illegally obtained and can be distributed to community projects which enrich people's lives and endeavour to prevent future incidents.

Tight Lines CIC was established in 2002, after one of its founding members, Justin Keight, experienced the tragic loss of a close friend who was experiencing poor mental health.

Co—founders Tony Portas and Megan Searle worked with Justin to establish the CIC which has welcomed nearly 100 adults to its activities since it started. Tight Lines helps people having trouble and issues with mental health, which can include PTSD, anxiety, stress and depression.

Through angling workshops, events and meetings, Tight Lines enables adults in Cornwall to spend more time in the natural environment which is well known as being good for you. The benefits of being in nature have been shown to be significantly higher if you are on or by the water.

Justin Keight, founder of Tight Lines said: "I wanted to help as many people as possible in Cornwall after I lost my friend, using our biggest ally, the sea. I started fishing at a young age and now have more than 35 years of sea angling experience.

"I've seen first-hand and experienced how sea angling from the coast can help your boost mood and provide a space for mindfulness and that surrounding yourself with nature has been shown to have a positive impact on mental well-being.

"Not only are we involving people in a new pastime which can become a new life skill, we are encouraging people to become part of a new community.

"Thanks to the funding from the Police we have purchased LRF fishing kits, a style of fishing that is incredible fun for both adults and children. The kit will allow us to work with some people in the community of Helston who are struggling with wellness and create projects with the local school assisting children who may be finding it tough socially or mentally".

Julia Berry, Police Community Support Officer at Devon & Cornwall Police said: "I became aware of Tight Lines after attending a meeting with the local Social Prescribers who had made referrals for their patients to the group. I spoke with Justin, and he discussed his reasons for setting up the group and he seemed so passionate about what they were trying to achieve by improving mental health through fishing.

"It was then that I put in an application through the Proceeds of Crime Act, which has been approved, for £500 funding to help the group buy some fishing rods and life jackets. I am looking forward to attending the group and finding out more in person."

For more information about your local police see devon-cornwall.police.uk

To find out more information about Tight Lines, visit tight-lines.org