Toowoomba RSPCA, Happy Hearts Happy Paws launches Explore program helping people with disabilities find employment

Young people living with disabilities and mental health issues are twice as likely to struggle finding employment. Here’s how a new Toowoomba program has changed the lives of vulnerable youth.

Happy Paws Happy Hearts Explore program participant Tally Allwood with Hugo the cattle dog cross. Picture: Rhylea Millar

As young teenagers, Tally Allwood and Charleigh Dyball were shy, socially isolated and unsure about the career pathways they wanted to follow.

But after the pair began attending the Happy Paws Happy Hearts program at the RSPCA Toowoomba animal shelter nearly two years ago, their lives have completely changed.

With young people living with disabilities and mental health issues twice as likely to be unemployed, the organisation has offered employment pathway programs to vulnerable youth in Toowoomba since 2020.

Now it has expanded its program to launch Explore – an initiative designed to help participants enter the workforce, volunteer or commence studies in the animal care industry.

Happy Paws Happy Hearts Explore program participant Tally Allwood with Hugo the cattle dog cross. Picture: Rhylea Millar

Ms Allwood, who has been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder, decided to sign up to Explore after the former HPHH program helped her to build her confidence and self-assurance.

“I was needing an outlet from the world and my own head and this was the perfect place to help me do that,” she said.

“It’s helped me to overcome a lot of my social anxiety by talking to people, learning about animal behaviour and building my confidence.”

The 16-year-old who has previously struggled when trying to find employment opportunities hopes to pursue a career in animal massage therapy.

“The animal world can be quite competitive and hard to find work, but Happy Paws can assist me with this,” Ms Allwood said.

At the RSPCA Toowoomba animal shelter are (from left) Charleigh Dyball, Bianca Martin and Tally Allwood with Hugo the cattle dog cross. Picture: Rhylea Millar

Meanwhile Ms Dyball was one of the first participants to sign up to the program in Toowoomba.

The 18-year-old said the program showed her how to care for animals and read their body language, igniting her desire to work in the industry.

She said while the program had benefited participants by providing a safe and non-judgemental space, it had also assisted rescue animals at the shelter who were waiting to be adopted.

The youth employment pathways program facilitated by trainers and case workers, combines animals with education to create a supportive, fun and engaging learning environment.

HPHH senior program trainer Bianca Martin said this allowed participants to achieve their individual goals and use their skills they have learned to create a resume, network and gain employment.

Ms Martin said while the initial program was focused on social interaction with animals and other people, the Explore program was about applying those skills.

“I would say I cry once a day, whether it’s because a long-term dog has finally been adopted or watching participants succeed,” Ms Martin said.

“I feel very proud of (Tally and Charleigh) – they are so much more confident and self-assured now knowing they have the space to talk about and be themselves.”

Happy Paws deputy CEO Kellie Ireland and Westpac Foundation community ambassadors Jamie Preston (centre) and Nathan Eccles with Hugo the cattle dog cross. Picture: Rhylea Millar

Deputy chief executive officer Kellie Ireland said the program would “change the lives of disadvantaged young people” in Toowoomba.

“When you walk into a room and an animal is there everyone just breathes which makes it easier to learn – I call it the magic of puppy breath,” Ms Ireland said.

“It’s pretty scary to be a young person embarking on a career but our participants have been so generous with us by getting involved, being so open to the program and telling us all about their hopes and dreams.”

The Explore program was made possible by funding received through the Westpac Foundation’s Inclusive Employment grant.

Since the foundation started the program in Wacol and the Hunter Valley, more than 66 per cent and two-thirds of graduates had commenced studies or employment in the animal care or information technology fields.

A cohort of four young people have already enrolled in the program with the foundation set to open 10 more vacancies in the coming months.

Register for the program online at hphhfoundation.org