Unemployed volunteers help keep Friskney’s Parrot Zoo up to scratc

Unemployed volunteers lent a helping hand at The Parrot Zoo in Dickon hill Road, Friskney, to keep the registered charity in tip-top condition for visitors. They undertook a variety of tasks to help the Zoo, which is home to a variety of birds and animals.

The volunteers are taking part in government funded back to work programmes, being delivered by TNG in Lincolnshire, a national welfare to work training and skills provider. The community placements help those out of work to gain practical work experience and stay close to the jobs market, as well as providing a boost to their confidence.

The volunteers worked on a number of assignments to contribute to the general upkeep of the zoo including agricultural and construction skills, such as concreting and joinery. However, the work placement opportunity also allowed them to develop other transferable attributes such as team building and increased self- confidence. One of the customers, Jonathon Hunter, 23 said, "Before I started at The Parrot Zoo I didn’t know what to do with my life, but since I’ve been with TNG I gained so much confidence and feel better knowing help and training is out there."

As well as learning about nature reserves and animal management, the TNG scheme also allowed for young volunteers to work on their academic qualifications, as Daniel Burgin, 23  found to his pleasure while on the CTF. Looking back he reflects, “Not only am I now capable of doing construction work to a professional standard, but TNG also encouraged me to study Maths and English at the business centre and gain my Construction Skills Certification Scheme card."

The Parrot Zoo, also home to a family of Meerkats, Limas and Marmaset monkeys is reliant on charitable donations and grants to survive. Steve Nicholls, owner of The Parrot Zoo, commented, “I enjoyed having the TNG customers on site and have seen a huge change. The skill level some of the young people have reached has been quite staggering in such a short time, and they have been keeping the parrots happy too!"