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Chris and young anglers on the bank at a Mending Lines session
Angling · Wellbeing · Youth

More thanjustfishing

Community angling sessions and fishing-based alternative provision in Newark — helping young people and adults build confidence, skills and connection through the outdoors.

Proudly working withAngling TrustDaiwaAquastimBNA CharityCo-opBennington Bait
Proudly funded by
Change starts here
Newark & surrounding areas
Change starts here
Newark & surrounding areas
2,000+ sessions
As featured inBBC NewsITV NewsAngling TrustNewark AdvertiserSee our recognition →
Our mission

Creating positive paths & better futures

Mending Lines is a non-profit angling organisation supporting young people facing mental-health challenges or special educational needs, alongside adults in care. We teach fishing the ethical way — good for the environment, the angler and the fish — and use the calm of the water to build confidence, routine and real connection.

Mental wellbeingEthical anglingYouth & SENOutdoor learning
What we do

Ways we get people on the bank

Enquire about a session →

Community sessions

Welcoming group sessions on the bank where anyone can pick up a rod, slow down and find a bit of headspace among good company.

Join a session →

Holiday sessions

School-holiday programmes that give young people structure, fresh air and a reason to get outside when the days can otherwise feel long.

See dates →

Alternative provision

Approved, outcome-focused provision for students who thrive outside the classroom — pairing angling with our outdoor classroom at the lakeside.

Work with us →

Sessions are booked directly with our team — message us to find a date that works.

Our story, in their words

Watch how a day on the bank changes things

Filmed across our sessions around Newark.

Founder
Meet Chris Parker

It started with one rod and a hard year

When Chris was struggling with his own mental health, fishing gave him something to hold onto — quiet hours by the water, a routine, and a reason to keep going. Mending Lines grew straight out of that experience: a place to pass on what fishing gave him to people who need it most.

“The bank doesn’t judge anyone — it just gives them space to mend.”

— Chris Parker, Founder
Learn more about our story →
Proudly funded by

Thanks to National Lottery players, we can reach more people and keep more sessions running on the bank.

In partnership with
Bennington Bait