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On 8th September Benjamin and Tom James, Acting Head of Education at Dartmoor Zoo, headed to Plymouth University to take part in a networking event aimed at supporting veterans find work and employability skills. 

Through Benjamin's keen interest in the benefits of nature on health and mental well-being, the Zoo has extensive experience providing meaningful, worthwhile positions for volunteers from a variety of backgrounds. These include the long term unemployed and those with special needs. The Zoo has a number of connections with Veterans groups

The Zoo is able to provide the employment authorities with satisfactory reassurance that any volunteers claiming benefits are readily available for interviews, and that they do not receive any financial or other benefits that might conflict with the terms of the unemployed status.

As a consequence it are able to provide willing volunteers with meaningful work experience, including where appropriate, semi-skilled work, and they are happy to provide references for prospective employers.

Successful volunteer arrangements form an important part of what the Zoo does, both in terms of day-to-day operations and in meeting their commitment to ensure that Dartmoor Zoo contribute to human well being as well as animals.

The event was a great success and hopefully many Veterans who attended made some great connections.

Following on from the talk Benjamin conducted on Biophilia for the Plymouth Medical Society earlier this year, Benjamin was pleased to welcome some of the members to the Zoo on their Annual Walk day.

The Society was shown around by Benjamin, who spoke more about the research being conducted at the Zoo and his interest in Biophilia, the positive impact that nature has on health and mental wellbeing.

Grow 4 Good was a main point of the tour - this wonderful charity based on site at the Zoo take GP referrals as well as volunteers and social services referrals and have helped a great many people reduce their depression and anxiety through gardening, as well as improve social skills.

Benjamin is honoured to have been asked to speak at TEDx Totnes on 9th October which is being held at The Barn Cinema in Dartington. The title of the event is 'In Our Hands' and he will be there speaking alongside a host of fascinating people with the aim 'to celebrate, challenge and explore ideas on how, as a community we can protect our future.'

The website says:

'In Our Hands embraces the critical need to protect our world. We will focus on community and it’s vital importance, sustainability, agriculture, the role of science and technology in our future. It’s all about respect!'

He's very much looking forward to it.

Keep an eye out for more information on the topics that will be discussed, but in the meantime you can visit the website to learn more.

Update: Tickets sold out within 10 hours of going on sale! If you still want to be in with a chance to go to TEDx Totnes you can click here.

Over 20th and 21st June Plymouth University threw open their doors to show case the campus and held a host of exciting events including the Plymouth Respect Festival.

Benjamin said:

“Dartmoor Zoo and Plymouth University have a growing partnership, which is creating exciting student opportunities and generating new research into animal behaviour. We are also working closely together as part of the new Research Centre of Excellence, established by Brain Tumour Research in partnership with the University. I am delighted to be part of the Big Festival Weekend, and it will be a great opportunity to enthuse more people about our story and how they can be a part of our future.”

Benjamin received an honorary doctorate by Plymouth University in 2013 and has exciting research projects in the pipeline for the future in collaboration with them.

On 20th June Benjamin headed to Westminster Hall to conduct a speech and present diplomas to graduating Veterinary nurses for Central Qualifications. The Veterinary profession is one that is vital to the support of the Zoo and its animals and so Benjamin was very honoured to be asked to present these diplomas to people starting off in their valuable careers.

Congratulations to all and best of luck!

On 15th May Benjamin headed to EE offices in London to conduct a talk to some members of the leadership team as part of the Leadership Development Programme.

On 23rd April Benjamin headed to Birmingham to conduct a talk for R3, the Association of Business Recovery Professionals.

R3 help turn around businesses, something close to Benjamin's heart having himself experienced the turmoils and consequences of a lack of financial support for many years. Businesses are a lifeblood and should be supported during the difficult financial period for the sake of all the people involved, as well as to support the economy.

Kirsten Sculley, the Courses and Conferences Marketing Executive said:

"Please pass on my sincere thanks to Ben for speaking yesterday. He was honestly the best speaker of the day and everyone really enjoyed his inspirational and exceptional story."