Primal Mentality CIC
Gone fishing – connecting with nature to tackle poor mental health
“Now we can take young people into nature, which is where the real healing happens.”
Picture the peace and tranquillity of fishing by a riverbank. Now imagine the benefit this calm could bring to young people struggling with anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and low confidence. A new minibus, funded by Better Youth Spaces, is helping to connect more children and young people across Merseyside to the outdoors, and access nature-based wellbeing as part of a project called Reel Healing.
Primal Mentality CIC, founded by outdoor instructor Chris Jervis, uses fishing, bushcraft, and other nature-led activities to support young people’s mental health. Being outdoors provides a calm, pressure-free environment where young people can build resilience, social skills, and emotional wellbeing.
Angling for change
The organisation’s social mission is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people through meaningful connection with the outdoors.
“Until now,” Chris explains, “transport has been a major barrier. Without a dedicated vehicle, many young people were unable to attend our outdoor sessions due to travel issues or lack of accessibility.”
The newly funded minibus changes that.
“This funding is transformative. It means we can safely transport young people to lakes, woodlands, and nature spaces they wouldn’t normally be able to reach. These experiences are life-changing — they give young people a space to breathe, reset, learn new skills, and feel part of something positive.”
Calmer, more confident and connected
Primal Mentality’s indoor and outdoor sessions include fishing skills, bushcraft activities, mindfulness practices, and nature-based conversations that help young people express themselves without the pressure of a formal setting. Many participants report feeling calmer, more confident, and more connected after attending sessions.
Casting the net wider
With the minibus now being sourced and prepared for branding, Chris plans to expand the reach of the programme and support even more young people across the region.
“The minibus allows us to remove one of the biggest barriers — access. Now we can meet young people where they are and take them into nature, which is where the real healing happens.”