Registered charity and northwest attraction, Chester Zoo is extending a helping hand to families who claim Universal Credit during the season of goodwill.
This month, it is offering people families who might have difficulty covering the cost of a day out zoo entry for just £1.
Tickets will be available from Thursday, December 18 to Wednesday, December 31, and can be booked ahead of visits to the Chester landmark. The supportive initiative is a fresh addition to the Community Connections Scheme, a long-running programme designed to mitigate financial blocks to visiting the zoo faced by community groups and households in the UK.
Tickets are now available to those who receive Universal Credit. This includes claimants of Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income Support Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit and Jobseeker’s Allowance.
A statement from the zoo affirmed that the scheme aims to help lower income families enjoy the zoo and a connection with nature.
Chester Zoo’s Director for Conservation Education, Charlotte Smith, commented:
“We know that spending time outdoors and around wildlife can have a really positive impact on people, and we hope this helps more families enjoy a special day out together over the festive period”.
She added that the zoo hoped the initiative would brighten up the season for many households. There are limited £1 tickets available each day, which can only be bought online. To qualify for a ticket, visitors must provide a photo ID on arrival and proof of eligibility.