We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) Mackay! With generous support from St George Foundation, five Mackay State High School students have kicked off an exciting journey over the coming months in HPHH’s programs.

Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) exists to create positive connections between socially isolated Australians and rescue animals.  Their focus is to help participants on their journey from isolation to social inclusion and wellbeing. Collaborating with animal shelters such as RSPCA Qld, they provide animal-care programs offering connection, skills development and vocational pathways. By helping rescue animals in need, participants gain confidence in an array of areas, ultimately improving their quality of life.

For hearts, outcomes include improved well-being, wider social networks, improved communication, independence and skills for vocational pathways. 

For paws, they provide training, socialisation and a better chance to find the purrfect forever home – with loads of time for cuddles and much needed TLC while in the shelter. 

Over the coming months, five senior school students will participate in HPHH’s Handle Program delivered at RSPCA Animal Care Campus, Mackay. This program focuses on building self-confidence, communication skills, resilience, teamwork and connection with others, all while working in a supportive hands-on environment.

Following their Handle program, they will transition into HPHH’s Explore Program; an Employment Pathways Program for young people needing a helping paw as they take the huge leap into work, volunteering, or further study. While the students help the animals get ready for their future forever homes, they will simultaneously be building valuable life skills working in a shelter environment, culminating with work experience, to support their own vocational pathways—whether that’s into employment, further study, or volunteering.

We’re so excited to see these students embark on this unique learning journey and are incredibly grateful to St George Foundation for funding these spots for students and making this partnership possible.

You can learn more about Happy Paws Happy Hearts and their in-shelter programs at https://www.hphhfoundation.org/shelter-program/.