Happy Paws Happy Hearts launches employment pathway program for vulnerable Toowoomba youth
5 May 2023: Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) has expanded its innovative employment pathway program, Explore to its in-shelter base in Toowoomba, supporting at-risk youth in preparing for the workforce in a safe, inclusive, and familiar environment.
Working age (aged 15 to 64) people with a disability are more than twice as likely to be unemployed (10%) than those without a disability (4.6%)1. In addition, over two-thirds (70%) of HPHH program participants are young people, most of whom have dropped out of high school.
Thanks to the generous Inclusive Employment grant funding by Westpac Foundation, HPHH has kicked off its animal-centric employment pathway program for participants ready to take the next steps into volunteering, work, or further study in the animal care industry and beyond.
Westpac Foundation CEO, Amy Lyden, said: “We believe that meaningful employment is a powerful pathway out of disadvantage. We’re so proud to partner with Happy Paws Happy Hearts, whose work is helping to increase social and economic inclusion for vulnerable people, and it’s wonderful to see them expanding their impact in regional areas.”
With animals integrated throughout the program curriculum, participants have found typically dry topics much more engaging, interesting, and relatable thanks to the furry, feathered and sometimes scaly assistants. Facilitated by experienced trainers and case workers, the program is thoughtfully designed to allow participants of all abilities to reach their individual goals.
An integral aspect of the program, HPHH sources and offers each participant a work placement/study option – from animal care to drone flying – aligned with their individual goals, capability, and support needs. This allows them to put their knowledge into practice, add work experience to their resumes, and start building connections in their desired field.
Explore is currently running in other HPHH locations including Wacol and Hunter Valley, with more than two-thirds (66%) of graduates going on to find employment or pursue other study opportunities.
Happy Paws Happy Hearts Chief Commercial Officer, Kellie Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to be expanding our Explore program to Toowoomba, made possible thanks to the generous support by Westpac Foundation. This truly special program was designed to support our participants who have already made their way through Happy Paws Happy Hearts programs, who are now looking to upskill in their careers.”
“Guided by our talented and familiar program trainers, and supported by our case managers, our participants have found learning topics such as ‘Workplace Health and Safety’ not only easier to understand, but fun! Animals are at the heart of Explore, helping participants build confidence, knowledge, and skills to help them in their journey.
“Since launching Explore in Wacol and Hunter, we have been able to support many of our alumni in finding work in the animal care industry and other sectors including IT and even drone operation.”
Register your interest in Happy Paws Happy Hearts with the Enrolment Team via the website https://www.hphhfoundation.org/contact-us.
ENDS
For interview opportunities with Happy Paws Happy Hearts Chief Commercial Officer, Kellie Ireland and Westpac Foundation CEO, Amy Lyden, please contact:
· Rachel Horan | rachel.horan@hphhfoundation.org | 0480 393 775
Notes to the Editor
1 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2022). People with disability in Australia. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-with-disability-in-australia/contents/employment/unemployment
About Happy Paws Happy Hearts
Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) began in 2014 when co-founders Zoe and Graeme had an amazing idea to take their foster dogs to visit socially isolated family members. From the first visit, they saw the instant connections formed, and how these interactions brought a smile to the faces of people and animals alike.
Since then, HPHH has grown into a national program, rehabilitating animals, and people across Australia. Working hand in hand with the RSPCA and with the support of our amazing partners, HPHH provides a community for vulnerable people to come together and share a mutual love of animals, learn new skills, and give back in a meaningful way. It also provides much-needed support to many rescue animals waiting for adoption in Australia.
Education and connection happen within the context of a larger community. Our approach takes participants out of the training room and into shelters and wildlife sanctuaries, ensuring participants have the necessary support, environment, and “hands-on” opportunity to do their best development and learning.