Connections program will benefit participants and puppies. Photos: Supplied.
A new program is launching for Illawarra residents to improve their wellbeing, make new friends, and help train puppies to become life-changing assistance dogs — all in the same 12-week course.
Starting in May, the co-created Connections program by Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) and Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA) is calling on those aged 12-plus living with a disability to join the puppy-packed sessions at ADA’s Puppy Kindergarten in Waterfall.
Connections is a program aimed to create a space for social inclusion where participants come together to build confidence, connections and skills – all while training and socialising puppies on their journey to becoming assistance dogs.
It brings together the key elements of the two organisations – HPHH in creating positive connections between socially isolated Australians and animals in need, and ADA in training assistance dogs for people with physical disability, severe PTSD and complex autism.
Happy Paws Happy Hearts deputy CEO Kellie Ireland said she was thrilled to launch the program at ADA’s innovative Puppy Kindergarten in Waterfall, where the 12 weeks of two-hour weekly small group sessions would take place.
Kellie said that during sessions, participants would gain hands-on experience in learning foundational skills to train and socialise training assistance puppies, preparing them for advanced training.
“Connections is designed for people keen to make new friends and learn about dog care and training,” she said.
“During the program, they will build a sense of community and purpose in an amazing and welcoming space.”
Illawarra residents are being called on to take part in the program.
Assistance Dogs Australia CEO Tim Taylor said the program combined ADA’s expertise in training assistance dogs with HPHH’s proven success in delivering group-based programs for socially isolated Australians, including those living with a disability.
Tim said puppies participating in the program would go on to support individuals with physical disabilities, veterans and first responders with severe PTSD, and children with complex autism.
“The dual impact of the program is that it enhances participants’ wellbeing, while helping puppies advance toward becoming life-changing assistance dogs,” he said.
Connections is suitable for participants who are aged 12-plus with various abilities and support needs, and who are part of the NDIS, SLES, other disability support schemes, or self-funded.
Participants may also have an interest in capacity building, goal setting, learning specific tasks related to animal care and training, and working in a team.
ADA’s Puppy Kindergarten is located at 1780 Princes Hwy, Waterfall.
Learn more about the fee-for-service program Connections by contacting the enrolment team at Happy Paws Happy Hearts on 1300 077 984, emailing [email protected] or visiting the website. Places are limited.
