Birds of prey help former addicts

Islwyn Jones teaches clients to handle the birds

An ornithologist is helping rehabilitate drink and drug addicts by letting them handle birds of prey.

Islwyn Jones, who runs Penbryn Open Farm at Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr in Denbighshire, uses his exotic birds to help people rebuild their lives.

He said handling owls, hawks and other birds of prey helped former addicts and the long-term unemployed build more confidence in themselves.

He said: "We have been truly amazed by the results. It's wonderful to see."

Mr Jones opened the farm seven years ago, following a long-running interest in birds of prey.

He started running the courses after approaching Job Broker Cymru, an organisation which helps people on incapacity-related benefits back into work.

You can see from me, it really works Tony Ormond, former addict

Other organisations like Touchstones 12 - a charity based in Colwyn Bay which helps homeless people with drink and drug problems rebuild their lives - now also use the farm.

Mr Jones said: "A lot of what we do is about building confidence, and people experiencing something most others never get to do.

"The learn how to get close to birds that they would otherwise know nothing about, and how to treat them and look after them.

"It's amazing to see peoples' confidence grow and to see them becoming so interested."

Job Broker Cymru now run regular trips to the farm with clients.

Consultant Yvette Lloyd said: "People who come here love it, because it's something totally different for them to experience.

People like Tony Ormond have benefited from the scheme

"The birds of prey are particularly appealing for people with an interest in the outdoors.

"It's part of a wider programme to help them move on and find work, and the feedback is all positive."

Tony Ormond, 32, now works for Touchstones 12 after going through their rehabilitation programme.

He was out of work for 16 years after suffering drink and drug problems and living rough on the streets.

He said: "I first got to hear about this place when I was brought here on a trip. I hadn't worked for so long and I got very isolated.

"As well as seeing these beautiful birds and building confidence, the day out helped me to integrate with other people. It's very therapeutic.

"You get to handle birds of prey that are normally quite threatening, but it ends up being a wonderful experience.

"You can see from me, it really works."