Meet Michael
Michael was walking his dog in Newstead Abbey Park when he came across four youngsters, a fishing line, and a fair bit of litter. He quickly agreed to set up a little fishing club for them but on the condition they were willing to learn about looking after the environment. 16 kids turned up to the first meeting, and that’s how CAST started! Michael secured the fishing rights to the lakes in the park on the basis the young people would work with The Abbey staff with the aim of reducing anti-social behaviour.
Michael was walking his dog in Newstead Abbey Park when he came across four youngsters, a fishing line, and a fair bit of litter. He quickly agreed to set up a little fishing club for them but on the condition they were willing to learn about looking after the environment. 16 kids turned up to the first meeting, and that’s how CAST started! Michael secured the fishing rights to the lakes in the park on the basis the young people would work with The Abbey staff with the aim of reducing anti-social behaviour.
Key Fund helped CAST purchase their building and become an independent enterprise, with a total investment of £77.6k.
Who
Based in Nottingham and Derbyshire, CAST delivers landscape work in the village, from running community projects restoring woodlands to designing a vegetable garden for a special needs school, ensuring the community benefits as well as the young people. Established in 2003, CAST became an independent enterprise in 2016.
“I was aware of social problems in the village and also aware that fishing has been a source of community cohesion for young men in colliery villages. Research shows fishing is an effective way of working with people with autism, dyslexia and ADHD, and works well for particularly hard to reach young men.” – Michael
The Challenge
CAST primarily helps children who don’t engage with school. With a real focus on building practical skills, working outdoors, and teamwork. We focus on how to work in a group, how to engage with other people, building self-esteem, but we’re also providing qualifications so they’re fit for the workplace.
