Aaron Huthwaith, 22, from Skegness, was unemployed and with few qualifications and a criminal conviction, his job prospects were bleak. After enrolling with TNG, a welfare to work organisation helping deliver people from benefits into employment, Aaron began volunteering at Parrot Zoo in Dickon Hill Road in Friskney, and found a bit of animal magic gave him the boost he needed to get back to work.

When he was younger, Aaron got into trouble with the police and was convicted of ABH. Aaron was determined to turn his life around, and decided not to let this incident shape the rest of his life. He worked hard and kept out of trouble. He was keen to learn and had jobs on a market stall, in a diner and also worked in construction.

However, when he found himself unemployed when he lost his job in a diner at the end of the tourist season, it looked like all his efforts to put the past behind him would count for nothing. He was applying for jobs, but not having any luck. He knew that if someone gave him an opportunity he could prove how hard working he was, but with a criminal conviction and in such a competitive job market, he didn’t think anyone would give him a chance.

He joined TNG in Heath Road, Skegness, for help to get back to work. TNG arranged for Aaron to start a voluntary placement at Parrot Zoo, where he worked on the construction of the lima enclosure and helped maintain the gardens.

Soon, Aaron was feeling more positive. He was enjoying being part of a team and being around the animals, and found that he woke up in the morning looking forward to the day ahead. When his TNG placement came to an end, Aaron continued volunteering at the zoo, maintaining his work routine. Having proved himself as a volunteer, he was offered a full time job at the zoo as a Parrot Zoo Assistant.

Aaron is now feeling more positive about his future, and said, "I knew that if I could just get someone to see beyond my past, I could show them how much I have grown up, and what a hard worker I can be. Through TNG, I got that opportunity at Parrot Zoo and haven’t looked back. Working there full time is a dream come true. I love my job - how many other people can honestly say they would do it for free? It's great to be earning a wage again, and getting back on my own two feet, claiming back my independence."

Leigh Guest, Project Supervisor at TNG commented, "Aaron is a great example of the work TNG does in Lincolnshire. He was so eager to get back to work, but just needed the chance to show what he could achieve. Being part of a working environment brought out the best in him, and gave him the chance to show what he could do. Now he can put his past behind him and concentrate on a bright future."