Long-term injured workers in Maitland can receive a helping hand - or paw - thanks to a new program coming to the region.
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Happy Paws, Happy Hearts has been awarded a share in $5 million WorkUp funding from icare Foundation to bring their unique, animal therapy program for injured workers to the Hunter.
The program turns the traditional model of animal-based therapy on its head and helps long-term injured workers overcome complex personal and social barriers to return to work.
"Happy Paws, Happy Hearts invites people experiencing isolating situations, such as older Australians, people with mental and physical disabilities and veterans suffering from PTSD, to come to a rescue shelter and provide support and training to animals in need," Happy Paws Happy Hearts co-founder and program director Zoe Black said.
"It's a win-win because the shelter animals get help, and the people get help.
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"We've had participants report increased confidence, lower levels of physical and psychological pain and an increased sense of purpose.
"We know that social isolation is a major factor for people recovering from a workplace injury, so we've been on the lookout for the right partner to help us scale into NSW, with a particular focus on this cohort."
icare Foundation General Manager Barney Smith said while three-quarters of injured workers returned to work within the first 13 weeks, for those that remain off work longer, their chances of returning are reduced.
"Social isolation and psychosocial issues can develop when people are away from their workplace for long periods of time," said Mr Smith.
"More than 8000 people were off work for longer than three months in 2018, according to our workers insurance claims.
"We have seen a steady increase in the proportion of workers insurance claims requiring 90 days or more off work over the past five years.
"We've recognised that there is a need to explore improved support for the complex personal and social barriers these injured workers must overcome in order to return to work.
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"We know that prolonged unemployment during a person's productive years can seriously impact on the quality of life of injured individuals and their families. By improving the support for recovering workers in NSW, we can make a profound difference to their lives."
The company received more than 90 applications for the WorkUp funding. Eight organisations were successful.
"The ideas are out there," Mr Smith said. "We selected these eight organisations because they came to us with strong business cases based on evidence-based, innovative approaches that could be adapted for workers insurance to deliver real benefits for injured workers, employers and the people of NSW."