Paul

Hi, I'm Paul, come and discover the joy of fishing with me.  Spending time outdoors, sitting side-by-side, immersed in nature creates a unique space where emotional, psychological and social wellbeing can develop naturally. Fishing is a sport that provides learning opportunities, boosts mood, and these aspects of the sessions is something I ensure happens in a safe and enjoyable way.

I am a retired nurse for people with learning disabilities and a level 2 angling coach (via the Angling Trust). I have over 35 years of experience in the NHS supporting individuals and those around them to maximise their potential in a holistic way. I have a range of skills in communication and therapeutic approaches that lend themselves to coaching people of all ages.

Amongst my areas of expertise are:
Intensive Interaction practitioner.
Very experienced with challenging behaviour.
Motivational Interviewing techniques.
Use of the 5P model of formulation to identify and move towards resolving persistent difficulties.
I maintain my nursing registration.
I have mentored adult learners (student nurses), devised and delivered training for individuals' care teams in positive behaviour support plans.
I have adapted existing plans and documents to make them individualised and more engaging and usable for people.

I use a positive approach to risk taking, backed by thorough risk assessments and involve the individual throughout this process. Learning to take care of ourselves, others and the environment takes a team effort and can be very rewarding especially when this results in achievement and recognition from others.

The Angling Trust supports learning with a stage by stage process of learning through Bronze, Silver and Gold award levels culminating in becoming a safe, responsible, legal and competent angler. This can be achieved with or without ongoing personal support and the skills and knowledge can be taught to families or supporting staff as well.

I am a strong believer in a collaborative approach, building a relationship with students and learning things together. This was a core element of a Positive Outdoor Pursuits project that I created and ran whilst working in the NHS. This was an innovative initiative that ran for 4 years and had the backing of the NHS Trust's Board and attracted funding to pay for venues and equipment. The venture showed clear improvements in mood, psychological wellbeing, levels of anxiety and depression reduced, confidence and self-esteem rose and remained at better levels between sessions and had a cumulative effect. The project was designed to provide a service for a population who did not engage or could not engage with traditional services, mainstream or specialised, and used both 1:1 and small groups based upon individual needs and group dynamics.

Outside of my professional life, I have 5 children, 2 mad spaniels, and 2 cats. My hobbies include fishing (of course), walking, cooking, and a love of France. I supported the "Secret Garden" at my youngest son's primary school through direct work, fund raising, and sourcing donations from friends, family and local enterprises.