“Helping others with your knowledge can change lives” – Paul shares his volunteering journey for Volunteers’ Week 2025

Volunteers' Week is an annual event that takes place at the start of each June – to thank and recognise volunteers across the UK.

Volunteers like Paul Jones.

Paul, from Porth in the Rhondda, has been volunteering with Reel Minds for around two years and is always helping participants during and outside of Reel Minds sessions. He also helps run the rig making/community hub and, at the end of last year, was recognised for his immense contribution with the ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ award by Reel Minds.

Volunteer Paul Jones

Furthermore, he has also helped Scott, who has a paralysed arm, build a device to help him fish.

We grabbed a few minutes with Paul to find out more about that and hear his volunteering journey...

How long have you been volunteering with Reel Minds – and how did it first come about?

I've been volunteering for Reel Minds just over two years. As a part of the fishing community, I heard about Reel Minds, so I contacted Dave to see what it was about; he mentioned they were looking for volunteers, so I put my name down. A few days later, he contacted me and asked when I was available; I was so fortunate that he gave me the opportunity and I've never really looked back.

Give us a brief outline of your volunteering role..

The role I do is the same as the other volunteers with Reel Minds; we attend trips or events when we can in our spare time.

We help people who come along to the trips – in guiding them how to set up the equipment, teach them how to bait up, cast and reel in a fish if they have one on. As well as the fishing, we are there for all our participants,. someone to talk to, always a listing ear. As you know, the group was made up to help people with their mental health and well-being. "There's more to fishing than catching."

Why did you decide to begin volunteering?

It was a no-brainer for me to be honest. I've been fishing since I was very young and I enjoy helping others in any way I can.

What have you enjoyed most about your time volunteering?

Knowing that I've made a difference to someone. Even just a friendly ear or helping with their anxiety, depression etc.. even if it's just for the time I've spent with them on a trip.

What benefits have you gained personally from your volunteering experiences?

Where to start, there are so many.

It helps me with my mental health and the new friends I've made whilst being a volunteer with Reel Minds. I've also completed numerous mental health courses, and a first aid course.

You also received the “above and beyond the call of duty” award from Reel Minds..

Yes, I was not expecting it to be honest. I only do what the other volunteers do in the group so it must have been a hard decision to make. A very proud moment it was when I heard my name being called, just overwhelming.

Paul receiving his award

You’ve also helped Scott, a Reel Minds participant who has a paralysed arm, build a device to help him fish.. tell us more about that..

He booked on a trip with us and I was helping him cast etc.. my mind then was on over time, thinking how can I help to do this himself. I was thinking of a few ideas from all different types of fishing, like boat to shore, and came up with an idea that has helped him loads. I’m not saying what he calls it, but if you see it you can only imagine! He's now able to go fishing independently and that to me is one of the best achievements I've ever done to help someone.

The device was made from recycled materials. It straps to his waist, which allows him to attach his fishing rod. This then enables to him use his working arm to reel in the line, whilst holder keeps the rod secure.

Do you have any other stories you want to share about your time volunteering?

We also have a participant that is blind, he hasn’t been on a trip for a while. When he last came, helping him catch a fish and seeing his smile on his face was incredible.

Would you recommend volunteering to others?

100% yes, the rewards are amazing knowing you can help others.

What would you say to anyone who is thinking about volunteering in angling?

Give it a go, you will not be disappointed. If you like angling as much as I do, helping others with your knowledge can change lives.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I'd like to say thanks to all the volunteers from Reel Minds and the participants for giving me the opportunity to help.

Thank You, Paul.