Welcoming, learning, and leading the way

Program Trainer, Margaret with Seth and Issac

One of our long-term participants at our Darwin location with @RSPCANT, Seth, recently stepped into a special role, welcoming a new participant, Issac, into our Thursday Handle session.

Handle programs at Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) offer hands-on learning in a real-world shelter environment, empowering participants like Seth to develop confidence, independence, and a sense of responsibility as they work closely with rescue animals, to help train, socialise and care for them on their journey to adoption.

Seth has been a valued part of the HPHH Darwin community and with a truly welcoming spirit, has helped Issac feel comfortable and confident as he settles in.

In one session, the pair quickly got stuck into a hands-on shelter task, working together to attach shade cloth to a fence on-site. Learning new skills side by side, they showed great teamwork while contributing to the day-to-day operations of the shelter.

Seth (L) and Issac (R) fitting the new fence

For Seth, these moments reflect a journey of growth. Since joining our programs back in early 2024, Seth has built confidence, independence and a strong sense of responsibility, taking pride in the role he plays in supporting the animals each week. At the same time, he’s found something just as meaningful: connection. From working as part of a team to building genuine friendships, we are so proud of Seth’s personal growth along with the special contribution he makes each week to the shelter animals at @RSPCA NT.

If you are (or support) a participant in Darwin and would like to find out more about our programs on offer, head to our website at https://www.hphhfoundation.org/shelter-program, or give our friendly Participant Experience Team a call on 1300 077 984.

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