CAST North West

CAST North West was founded in 2006 by Neil Farnworth gaining registered charity status in 2008. On the 1st December 2016, we merged with the Red Apple Trust to become Apple Cast North West. This followed a succession of fishing days to divert young people away from anti social behaviour in partnership with the Youth Offending Team. These days proved to be very positive and CAST was funded by Wigan SRB 6 to set up an alternative education centre. Due to this demand more classroom and office space was needed to continue progression. The funding allowed CAST to provide onsite facilities such as a classroom, welfare facilities and storage area. The centre was based around using angling as a tool to develop respect and self esteem and break down intergenerational barriers. As the charity started to expand it was evident that young people were showing an interest to develop knowledge and learn new skills. CAST developed an education package which embedded literacy and numeracy around the sport of angling. This offered a safe environment in a beautiful, tranquil setting creating a relaxing and therapeutic environment for people of all disabilities to re-engage into education but also develop work based learning skills. Due to the success engaging some of the most disaffected young people the project started to grow. Whilst fishing is the vehicle we use to engage young people it is simply a means to an end. We are about bringing disadvantaged young people whether NEET, disaffected or excluded no matter of what issues or problems they may be experiencing and offering them support and help to achieve their full potential.