Innovation Fund Feedback from our friends at St Mungos

At the beginning of 2018, two St Mungo’s clients living in our Westminster Move on & Resettlement Service discovered a mutual love for fishing. Thanks to a grant from the Innovation Fun, they organised, advertised and went on a series of fishing trips, promoting social inclusion and peer support among people who are recovering from homelessness as well as overcoming challenges such as alcohol and drug misuse.

Support was provided throughout the project from St Mungo’s staff, including a Recovery College Worker , who acted as co-facilitator.
The project was advertised in in St Mungo’s Westminster services, as well as at Turning Point and Change Grow Live. As part of organising the trip, clients created posters with training from staff to use IT and Microsoft software.
Fishing equipment was bought and stored in a secure place with an In-and-out book managed by residents themselves.
Trips were open to experienced fishers as well as absolute beginners who has the opportunity to learn fishing skills and knowledge. Four clients from St Mungo’s and Change Grow Live participated in three trips which took place

The project has been extremely beneficial for both the residents who took part and especially for those who organised it; they have had the opportunity to develop their planning and financial organisation skills, and socialise with peers in a healthy and meaningful activity. The residents can take pride in having organised and run successful trips.

“Without a grant from the Innovation Fund, this project would not have taken place. On behalf of everyone at St Mungo’s, thank you.”