Happy Paws Happy Hearts Foundation

 📢 FREE DEFENCE FAMILIES PROGRAM LAUNCH AT DAKABIN 📍 Following the success of our previous eight Defence Families Programs and the recent completion at Wacol, we're excited to launch the next Program at RSPCA Dakabin! 📅 Running every Saturday from 1-3 pm between 12th October through to 14th December 2024, the program is completely FREE to attend thanks to our partnership with RSL Queensland. This unique 10-week program is designed for current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families. It offers a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones, strengthen communication and connect with other Defence families with similar lived experiences, building social networks and forming meaningful connections. Of course, this is all while helping animals at RSPCA Queensland on their own recovery journey, learning valuable animal training skills through a curated program run by specialist Program Trainers. Families can attend with or without the serving or ex-serving family member in attendance based on availability and family needs. Our program was recently highlighted in RSL News' "Wave of Wellness" edition (pages 18 to 21). Follow the link below to learn more about the program and hear firsthand from one of our participants, Army Reservist Eloise, in an exclusive interview discussing her experiences and the positive outcomes she’s achieved https://lnkd.in/gWpGqBWn If you're interested in learning more or would like to sign up for the program, please call us on 1300 077 984 or email [email protected]. You can also visit our Defence Families Program web page at: https://lnkd.in/gempqPry ⏳With enrolments already coming in, don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this special funded program! #DefenceFamilies #RescueAnimals #SocialConnection #HPHH #RSLQueensland #VeteranPrograms

Last week for R U OK? Day, we were grateful to be invited along to Feros Care for the 2024 R U OK? Community Day in Mackay. Our local Senior Program Trainer, Susan, and some of our incredible Mackay volunteers attended on behalf of Happy Paws Happy Hearts for a day of activities along with special guest Chloe, the Guinea Pig 🐹 🥕. The Community Day featured local social groups including Real Mates Talk, Drug & Alcohol Services, QRL and Mackay Library, to promote mental wellness for the community and individuals. Each participating group set up a stall featuring a unique activity. Attendees received a stamp book upon arrival and collected a stamp at each stall after completing its activity. By filling their stamp books with completed activities, attendees were entered into a draw to win a prize filled with goodies! Our stall was bookmark making where attendees got to make their own bookmarks (or choose to donate them to the street library) and got the chance to pick up a free book from the street library (book swap) located just outside of Happy Paws Happy Hearts at Mackay Harbour. We were grateful to be invited to attend the annual Community Day to help spread awareness for R U OK? Day and promote mental wellness for the local community. Thanks to Feros Care and the other social community groups who made the day a fun and impactful one!

We’re #HIRING! – Team Leader, Regional Queensland (4 days/week) 🐾💞 Are you an experienced facilitator, leader or coach who is passionate about working with people and empowering change in others? What if you could bring vulnerable people together with animals in need, and foster a win-win environment for positive change where every day leaves your cup full. This could be your ‘paw-fect’ role! Why join HPHH? At HPHH, we’re growing fast and driving change across the country. In this new and exciting role, you'll guide a passionate team of Program Trainers across our regional Queensland locations including Dakabin, Mackay and Toowoomba. This role will involve travelling to our growing locations to lead, inspire and empower a passionate and experienced team of program trainers, and contribute to meaningful programs that positively impact both rescue animals and people, or as we say, paws and hearts. You’ll connect and work closely with our partner shelters across RSPCA Queensland, continuing to foster our strong working relationships and identifying opportunities for mutual growth in our shared visions for the animals, in addition to bringing about positive change for our participants. Most importantly you will connect with an array of amazing participants who range from people on the NDIS, veterans, injured workers and first responders, youth, and a number of vulnerable people coming together to share a mutual love for animals on their journey of change. This role offers flexibility in location - you can be based at Dakabin, Mackay, or Toowoomba! What You’ll Bring to the role: 🌟 Strong experience in leading teams (min. 3 years) 🌟 Proven coaching skills 🌟 Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment 🌟 Willingness to travel to regional locations Why HPHH? At HPHH, we’re more than just an animal care program. Our mission is to bring socially isolated and vulnerable people together into a safe space and community, while learning new skills and giving back to animals in need, in a meaningful way. Watch CEO and Co-Founder, Zoe Black sharing what HPHH is all about in the video in the comments below 👇 Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity and unique role! Find out more or apply now through the link here: https://lnkd.in/gp9xQnR9 #TeamLead #DisabilitySector #Leadershiprole #AnimalCare #HPHH #Hiring #WorkingwithAnimals

Yesterday was R U OK? Day. A special day that marks the impact that one conversation can have, not just on R U OK? Day, but every day. R U OK? is a national suicide prevention charity and registered public health promotion that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times. The message and mission of R U OK? is one close to our hearts as mental health plays a significant role in the social isolation of Australian youth, and young adults globally­—a social issue many social impact organisations like Happy Paws Happy Hearts exist to change. According to the recent State of the Nation Report, around an 1 in 2 Australians who feel lonely don’t talk to others about it and would conceal their loneliness. Shame or lack of perceived support prevent people experiencing or at risk of experiencing loneliness or other mental health issues find connection and seek/receive the support they need. At Happy Paws Happy Hearts, we marked R U OK? Day yesterday by incorporating arts, crafts and activities in the signature yellow into our sessions, creating space to discuss mental health and the importance of checking in with one another. We explored the 4 steps to asking R U OK? with our participants and shared these important moments with the animals we care for. Just like people, our furry friends have different ways of communicating, and they too sometimes need extra care and attention. By checking in on each other and showing kindness, we can all play a role in reducing loneliness and supporting mental health. To learn more about R U OK? Day, access a host of resources to share in the community, or for the simple 4 steps of having a conversation, visit R U OK?’s official website at: www.ruok.org.au/

🌟 HPHH Planning and Team Workshop: A Day of Connection, Values and Shared Mission Earlier this week, we were fortunate to bring together our team at Wacol, consisting of our local Program Trainers and Head Office staff, for a day of connection, planning and laughter at our Happy Paws Happy Hearts Planning and Team Workshop. Facilitated by Michelle Pedersen, it was an opportunity to hold the space to connect with one another and understand the vital role each of us play to cohesively fulfill our shared mission: to bring socially isolated people together in a group setting to train, socialise and care for rescue animals. We had a wonderful day bringing to life our company values, Big Hearts, Welcoming Hearts, Courageous Hearts, and Hopeful Hearts, where we took the time to reflect on how each of our personal values align with these core values which shape our daily operations and interactions. A special thanks to Senior Program Trainer, Leah who led a valuable animal training session for all staff, where we then had the opportunity to implement our new training skills and connect with some special pups up for adoption at RSPCA Queensland. As we look forward to exciting milestones ahead, we remain committed to continuously taking time to connect—not just with our participants, but with each other and ourselves. A big thank you to Michelle who facilitated some deep discussions and fostered social connection throughout our team, making the session incredibly impactful. We look forward to bringing together our regional teams for some more connecting and planning in the coming months! 

🌟 HPHH Planning and Team Workshop: A Day of Connection, Values and Shared Mission Earlier this week, we were fortunate to bring together our team at Wacol, consisting of our local Program Trainers and Head Office staff, for a day of connection, planning and laughter at our Happy Paws Happy Hearts Planning and Team Workshop. Facilitated by Michelle Pedersen, it was an opportunity to hold the space to connect with one another and understand the vital role each of us play to cohesively fulfill our shared mission: to bring socially isolated people together in a group setting to train, socialise and care for rescue animals. We had a wonderful day bringing to life our company values, Big Hearts, Welcoming Hearts, Courageous Hearts, and Hopeful Hearts, where we took the time to reflect on how each of our personal values align with these core values which shape our daily operations and interactions. A special thanks to Senior Program Trainer, Leah who led a valuable animal training session for all staff, where we then had the opportunity to implement our new training skills and connect with some special pups up for adoption at RSPCA Queensland. As we look forward to exciting milestones ahead, we remain committed to continuously taking time to connect—not just with our participants, but with each other and ourselves. A big thank you to Michelle who facilitated some deep discussions and fostered social connection throughout our team, making the session incredibly impactful. We look forward to bringing together our regional teams for some more connecting and planning in the coming months! 

Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 49 years and affects all ages, genders and ethnicities. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the impact of loneliness and social isolation can range from emotional distress to mental illness and ultimately suicidal thoughts, behaviours or acts. Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, we are grateful to be a part of a strong network of social impact partners who collectively are working to change the trajectory of those experiencing mental health through prevention and wellbeing initiatives around Australia. If you or someone you know is feeling helpless, hopeless or in mental health crisis, help is available at Lifeline 13 11 14, or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #suicideprevention #wspd2024 #weallhavearoletoplay #socialimpact

#TastingTuesdays Our Intro to Handle Group at Happy Paws Happy Hearts Hunter Valley, led by the amazing Trainer Tara, concluded #enrichmentmonth with a creative culinary special Tasting Platter for two eager taste-testers, Rocket and Gloria from Hunter Valley Animal Facility & Rehoming Centre 🍽️🐶 Our participants were incredibly enthusiastic in brainstorming, researching, and selecting dog-safe and enriching ingredients for the activity. Rocket dove in— going straight for the wet food, then savoured the homemade biscuits baked by Cheryl, one of our talented participants from another group. 🦴 Gloria chose the old-time classic, Kibble. The fruit and capsicum didn’t make the cut, but the result was that the participants were quickly able to identify Rocket and Gloria’s new favourite snacks which have now become the perfect reward for their training. Our participants form great bonds and trusting relationships with the shelter animals and one of our participants, Neeson, has been dreaming of adopting Rocket, so it was a special moment when he got to feed Rocket his favourite treat, and both were absolutely thrilled! 🐾❤️ This has been such a fun and enriching experience for everyone involved, and we’re so proud of the creativity and care our participants put into every activity. Stay tuned for more adventures as we have officially kicked off our new program module, sustainability! #AnimalEnrichment #HPHH #DogLovers #HVAFARC #DogTreats #AnimalRescue

We were delighted to spend time with Flight Centre Travel Group team members who graciously used their volunteering hours to assist Happy Paws Happy Hearts yesterday. Led by our Partnerships Training Specialist and seasoned animal trainer, Justin Palazzo-Orr, team members gained valuable insights into the inner workings of rescue shelters. During the session they explored various types of food enrichment and learned why enrichment is vital for animal mental stimulation. They then had a fun time getting hands-on, creating a variety of enrichment activities using recyclable items and kibble for the shelter animals. They discovered how crucial the time and social connection provided by volunteers are to rescue animals. The generous time given yesterday by the Flight Centre Travel Group team members went towards enhancing an animal’s stay, boosting their socialisation and overall wellbeing, which can positively impact their chances of being adopted. They also learned how to build strong connections and foster trust with rescue animals, spending quality in-pen time training and playing with some adorable, adoptable puppies at RSPCA Queensland. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to provide the team with a glimpse into some of the positive outcomes of HPHH programs on paws and hearts, and how partnerships such as this one with Flight Centre Foundation assists HPHH to grow its reach and impact. A massive thank you to the team, Flight Centre Travel Group and Flight Centre Foundation for giving back to HPHH. We look forward to welcoming more team members out to Happy Paws Happy Hearts for volunteering sessions in the future! Suzi Borgelt, Felicity Hibbins

On Friday we were delighted to attend the annual Government House Open Day held by Administrator of the Northern Territory. We are grateful to His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM for the generous invitation to attend with our shelter partner RSPCA NT to the beautiful historic house and gardens. Happy Paws Happy Hearts Program Trainer in Darwin, Margaret, joined RSPCA NT’s stall with Rachael Grierson along with the very affectionate Bim Bim, the 3-year-old Pug X who lavished the attention from the visitors and attendees! It was a lovely day to connect with the community and other local organisations.