Born to alcoholic parents, he suffered an abusive childhood, was sexually assaulted in state care and suffered a devastating injury while working as a bouncer when he was attacked by a group of drunks."I've gone through a bit of hell," Glenn said.During the time when he was unable to walk, he spent most days with his rod on the Frankston pier.
After taking part in the program, he stayed out of jail and got his life back on track. Now he volunteers for Mr Cooper."Even though I was in such a bad place, I was helping people who had much less than I did, and it made me appreciate what I had more." "I'm Guru Glenn, I'm the First Aid Officer — so if you fall over or hurt yourself, don't tell me, tell your parents — no only joking!" he laughs, as he gives the same spiel to each group of children that turn up.
Lewis, aged 11, says the program has helped him deal with his mild disability and feel able to speak up about difficult experiences from his past."I can open up in front of these people and they know what I'm talking about," he said.Frankston has one of the highest suicide rates in Victoria and one in four young people experience a mental health issue in any 12-month period, so many services are overwhelmed.
"There's not enough money going back into programs like ours that help people who suffer from depression and anxiety."Mr Cooper has been running the fishing clinics for nine years and he and his volunteers have helped thousands of people."We love watching the smiles on the kids' faces and seeing them light up when they catch a fish."
world_news_eng Loved this inspiring story. Thank you.