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Fishing had always been part of Ken Bayley’s life, but it was during some of his toughest periods that he realised it was far more than just a hobby.

Ken has been working in the mining industry for the last eight years after leaving the military where he served in Afghanistan. Like many veterans, he faced challenges adjusting to life after service.

“Once I got out of the military, I lost direction – where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do,” said Ken.

“Then a job came along where I could get on a crew at Callide Mine with a lot of people I knew and felt comfortable with. That was how I started in mining.

“I thoroughly enjoy it. I’m one of those people who doesn’t like getting stuck doing one thing, so I branched out into mines rescue, training and assessment and had a dabble at everything. It’s been nothing but rewarding for me.”

Ken is about to start a new role at Baralba Mine, but while workplaces may change, fishing has remained the constant throughout his life.

“I’ve always been fishing since I was little and whenever I went through something difficult, it was the thing I always came back to. It was the only place I found peace.

“When I went through a particularly bad period in my life, fishing helped me come out the other side.

“Any day on the water is a good day and you come back feeling like a new man.”

Through years of fishing, one thing consistently stood out to Ken – people opened up when they were out on the water.

“I found that even with a boat full of 10 random people, we were always talking about what’s going on in life. Once you’re out on the water, people tend to let their guard down. I thought, this is awesome.”

It was those experiences that inspired Ken to create Mental Fishing, a community built around fishing, the outdoors and creating spaces where people feel comfortable connecting with others.

“I just wanted to put it out there for people to experience because fishing helped me so much. It might not be for everyone, but at least it gives people another avenue to connect and talk openly.

“The reason I think it works is because when you’re out floating around on the water or sitting on a bank with somebody, there’s not a lot you can really do. That’s generally when people start talking about what’s really going on.

“My peace is the ocean and that’s what I’m trying to share with people. Once you start seeing sea creatures or whales or something like that, you feel relaxed. I can’t explain it, but that’s just been my experience.”

Ken said Mental Fishing is not about formal therapy sessions or sitting people down to talk about their problems.

“With my struggles, if I had to go sit down with a psychiatrist, it was very daunting for me because I knew I was there to talk about my issues, so I just wouldn’t talk about them.

“But when I got into a safe environment around people I was comfortable with, that’s where I really started opening up properly.

“That’s the thing around fishing. You’re going out to fish, not to talk, but by the end of the day you find yourself having conversations anyway. It’s just a general chat, friend to friend.

“Once people start having those conversations, they realise maybe getting professional help isn’t such a bad thing. That’s where the questions get asked and I think that’s where the recovery starts.”

Initially, Ken started Mental Fishing as a way for veterans to connect, but it wasn’t long before he realised the need extended far beyond the veteran community.

“I found a lot of people reaching out to me weren’t veterans, so I opened it up to everyone. Men, women, families… anyone.

“A lot of those people were going through their own struggles and they deserved the same support and connection as everyone else.”

One experience that stayed with Ken involved a man going through a relationship breakdown who had never been fishing before.

“At the start he was very quiet and never thought fishing would ever be something he’d be into,” he recalled.

“He was going through a pretty rough patch and sort of kept to himself early on, but by the end of the trip he’d completely come out of his shell.

“He had the best time and couldn’t stop talking about getting back out there again. He can’t wait for the next fishing trip. That was pretty heartfelt to see.”

Supporters say the impact Ken has on people extends well beyond organised fishing trips, with many crediting his willingness to listen, offer support and regularly check in on others.

“Mental Fishing is so much more than fishing. I haven’t even been out on a boat with him yet and he’s helped me, along with so many others,” shared one supporter.

“The thing with Ken is there’s no judgement. He doesn’t try to tell people what to do or how to fix their problems. He just listens.

“He’s been through some pretty significant hardships himself, but he’s come out the other side and uses those experiences to help other people. People trust him because he’s genuine.”

As more people connect through the community, Mental Fishing continues to grow. A website and merchandise range are set to launch soon, and Ken has recently purchased a boat to help get more people out on the water.

“I want to travel up and down the east coast and meet people who are part of Mental Fishing or people that reach out to me and actually get them out on the water because a lot of people don’t have that opportunity.

“I also hope that people use the Mental Fishing page to connect with each other and organise fishing trips in their own areas. I’d like strangers to meet strangers for a common cause.”

Ken believes those connections can often be the first step towards people opening up and seeking support when they need it.

“One of the biggest messages I hope Mental Fishing gets out there is that it’s okay to ask for help.

“Coming from my background being a war veteran, I always had the stigma of, ‘I’m a real tough war fighter, I don’t need help’.

“But everyone needs help. My life turned around when I let people in and let them help.

“So whether it’s fishing, walking groups, yoga or whatever people feel comfortable doing, get out there and connect. You’ll probably realise you’re not as alone as you think.”