Thames21 re-names angling development programme, 'Catch21'

Thames21 – London’s leading waterways charity – re-launches its ‘Catch21’ angling development programme to coincide with National Fishing Week.

This socially inclusive and environmentally aware programme is unique to London. Open to all and with a focus on deprived inner London areas, Catch21 has six key objectives:

1. lead the development and take-up of angling for all on waterways in London
2. protect the environment and promote responsible fishing
3. establish multi-agency partnerships to develop angling in London
4. create affordable community angling clubs in every London borough
5. work with young people identified as previous offenders or at risk of offending
6. mentor young people to become angling coaches and help deliver angling events

Protecting the aquatic environment and promoting responsible fishing has always been at the heart of Thames21’s angling work since the angling pilot was launched in 2005. As an expert in its field, Thames21 engages anglers with key environmental issues such as pollution, the welfare of wildlife and the importance of the water cycle.

Catch21 will focus on providing opportunities for young people and families to find places to fish and engage with their local waterways in inner city areas of London.
With over 360 people taking advantage of the 23 free angling events offered in 2007, many more events will be offered to young people and families in the future.

Grant Fear, Catch21 Co-ordinator says:
“Encouraging young people to get involved in waterways through angling is at the heart of what Catch21 is about. There are a lot of young people living in built up urban areas interested in learning to angle but they don't know where to start. The sessions we run are free to take part in and all the necessary equipment is provided for those taking part. Many young people are bored and frustrated, and angling helps to prevent anti-social behaviour around the waterways because we capture their interest in this environment and turn it into something much more positive."

Media enquiries and images: contact James Aldous on 020 7213 0166 or 07827 352675 or james.aldous@thames21.org.uk  

Notes to Editors:

• Thames21 is grateful to the Environment Agency and the Saracens Sport Foundation for its financial support of the Catch21 programme. The Environment Agency is the leading public body for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. Since its inception in 2005, the Environment Agency has worked closely together with Thames21 to develop and sponsor its angling programme. The Saracens Sport Foundation is the charitable arm of Saracens Rugby Club. It aims to enhance the lives of children and young people through sport, physical activity and health promotion activities.
• Thames21 is an environmental charity working to bring London’s waterways to life.  Dirty rivers and canals reduce the quality of life for all, harm and kill wildlife, damage the environment and drive people away from vital open spaces.  London’s rivers and canals are precious natural resources providing green spaces for urban communities and habitats for wildlife.  Each year, with the help of around 4,000 volunteers, Thames21 removes over 1,000 tonnes of harmful litter from the River Thames, its tributaries and the canal network.  www.thames21.org.uk
• Thames21 is supported by, and works closely with, the Port of London Authority, Thames Water, Environment Agency, Corporation of London, Encams and British Waterways.