Published 12th Sep 2023, 11:50 BST

St George’s Crypt supports the vulnerable in the city with pathways of activities, support and training to enable people to become independent. Hilary Brooks, the mental health support worker at the Crypt, often takes clients on day trips with the aim of improving mental wellbeing – and the fishing excursions are proving popular. Referrals are made through Crypt staff and partners of Live Well Leeds, Leeds City Council’s community-based mental health support service for adults.

“Fishing has been a very popular past time which is really relaxing and calming for our clients,” Hilary said. “Frequently people I work with have not had stability. I have seen people start to find confidence and do things that they may have struggled with in the past.”

A former resident of one of the Crypt sites, Regent Lodge – a block of flats where there is support for adults with long-term alcoholism – said the day trips had helped him with his mental health struggles.

St George’s Crypt, the Leeds-based homeless charity, has started offering fishing trips to improve people's mental health.

“From being in the Crypt to Regent Lodge the days out with the Crypt, walking, fishing...I’ve had a lot of help and I’m in a completely different place now, I’m much happier...I have no words for how much they’ve looked after me.”

Ady has gone on to set up an online social media focused support network, Be the Stigma, which offers a safe space to share mental health stories, support and connect.

Fishing trips from Leeds-based homelessness charity are supporting people with mental health