Happy Paws Happy Hearts offers in-shelter and online programs, purposefully designed to connect socially isolated people and animals.
Assistance Dogs Australia trains and places dogs to support people with physical disabilities, autism and PTSD.
AWF Network Partners AJC Architects and Tract Consultants have developed a masterplan for a new combined home for both organisations in Sydney’s west.
In Australia, almost 4 million people experience social isolation or exclusion. The new facility will give people with disability, mental health challenges or other vulnerabilities a place to develop life skills, confidence and independence through the rewarding experience of training and socialising Assistance puppies in training. Participants will connect with others, strengthen their communication and teamwork skills, and enjoy being part of each puppy’s journey toward becoming a future Assistance Dog.
The new campus will include facilities for dog breeding and specialised training, education and community engagement, a competition flyball arena, offices, administration and support.
“On behalf of Happy Paws Happy Hearts, I want to express our big-hearted appreciation for Architects Without Frontiers and AJC. When people think about creating impact, they don’t always think about the spaces needed to deliver it. Through the Connections Program, we collaborate with Assistance Dogs Australia to support isolated Australians towards employment, education and independence. AWF’s support has helped us imagine a dedicated home for that work at ADA’s Orchard Hills campus, one that could one day support thousands more socially isolated Australians. We’re excited for this shared dream with ADA and the impact Stage 2 can deliver together.”
