Research Project

A nature-based intervention to improve mental health

Principal Investigators
Dr Nicholas Cooper
Professor Sheina Orbell
Dr Mike Rogerson
A man standing in water wearing waders and a green shirt is holding a very large fish. His head is tilted towards the sky and he is smiling with his eyes closed.

Angling for good

The University of Essex and iCARP CIC are running a research study to investigate how angling in a peaceful, friendly setting can help military veterans living with PTSD.

Previous research has shown that angling can help reduce the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This project will build on this earlier research to gather more evidence that will inform NHS policy around prescribing outdoor activities to support mental health.

We have recruited a group of veterans who have been randomly split into two groups. This will allow us to compare and contrast the group members, and gain a better understanding of the impact of the angling trips.

The trips will involve a weekend angling event during late summer and autumn 2022. Participants are provided with meals and overnight accommodation as well as angling equipment.

In the following weeks after their event we will keep in contact with participants and utilise questionnaires to find out more about the impact the trips have had.

We have already recruited the participants for this project and are not looking for more people to take part. Please check back to find out more about the progress of this research.

Funding

This project has been funded by the NHS through the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Related papers

Blogs

Someone wearing shorts standing in front of a body of water. Their right leg is a prosthetic leg with a Union Jack pattern, and their left leg has a tattoo of a hand pointing and the words "I'm with stumpy".
Impact: Improving the lives of military veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

We developed a programme that goes beyond traditional therapy to help veterans overcome the symptoms of PTSD, which in turn has helped them with employment, further education, and personal relationships.

Read our case study
Get in touch
For all queries about this project please use the email address below