To support the British Disabled Angling Association (BDAA), the VINCI UK Foundation has donated £7,287.70 to fund essential equipment for the charity’s Let’s Fish project, helping to make angling more accessible for people with disabilities and mental health challenges.

Based in the East Midlands, the BDAA has received full funding for new specialist items, including a hydraulic changing table, mobile hoist and aquaponics equipment, to enhance accessibility and expand its inclusive outdoor education facilities. The new resources will form part of the organisation’s plans to develop a dedicated aquaponics area where participants can feed fish, grow vegetables using fish waste, and learn about sustainability, teamwork and wellbeing through hands-on activity.

Founded to break down barriers in angling, the BDAA provides disabled access platforms, adapted equipment and inclusive programmes that allow people of all abilities to enjoy fishing. The charity’s work helps individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including SEND schools, learning disability centres, rehabilitation and mental health groups, and NHS referrals experience the physical, emotional and social benefits of outdoor recreation.

By offering accessible fishing and related educational activities, the BDAA promotes positive mental health, builds confidence and reduces social isolation. The Let’s Fish project will provide meaningful opportunities for individuals who might otherwise be excluded, helping them connect with nature and with their community.

“The British Disabled Angling Association is deeply grateful for the invaluable support from the VINCI UK Foundation. Their generous contribution has enabled us to make significant improvements at Ladybower Fisheries, including the installation of a disability hoist and changing table in our education room facilities. Thanks to their continued support, we are now embarking on an exciting new venture – creating a unique outdoor aquaponics vegetable garden using trout waste to grow fresh produce. This innovative space will allow schools and community groups to experience the full journey from catching trout to harvesting vegetables, empowering them to prepare their own nutritious meals in a truly hands-on and inclusive environment.” Says, Troy Chadwick, Operations Manager, British Disabled Angling Association.

The project is sponsored by Sam Ottley from Actemium who became involved through his own passion for fishing. Sam first visited the charity at Ladybower Reservoir, where he witnessed first-hand the impact of its work in supporting people with disabilities and promoting inclusion through sport.

“Fishing is a passion of mine and I feel it’s an excellent sport to bring peace and tranquility to people’s lives. When I visited the charity earlier this year, I took my grandad with me who is 86 and has been a fisherman all his life, in fact – it was because of him that I have the passion for fishing.  He is now struggling to fish like he used to due to arthritis and his age and it was so nice that we could go out on a boat and fish together with one of the volunteers. It was a safe environment for him and I could see the joy he had being able to do that again. As a qualified electrician, I plan to help with electrics on their project but also keen to offer any manual work needed for the project and some volunteering with their members.” Says Sam Ottley, Electrician, Actemium UK.

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The VINCI UK Foundation was founded in 2016 with the mission to strengthen communities by improving access to employment, housing and mobility for society’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable people.

Since then, the VINCI UK Foundation has combined almost £2 million in financial support with the practical skills and expertise of VINCI employees to help over 330 charities or community projects championing social inclusion across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Find out more about British Disabled Angling Association and the VINCI UK Foundation.