Paws for Thought: The Therapeutic Power of Pets

October 4, 2025

Across recent team discussions, Behaviour Support Practitioners have been diving into a heartwarming and increasingly relevant topic: the therapeutic benefits of pets, particularly for older participants. Whether it’s the wag of a tail, the purr of a cat, or the gentle nudge of a nose, animals are proving to be more than just companions—they’re powerful contributors to emotional wellbeing.


For many older participants, pets offer a sense of purpose, routine, and unconditional love. They can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common among those living alone or experiencing limited social interaction. The simple act of caring for a pet—feeding, grooming, walking—can foster independence and boost self-esteem.


Research and anecdotal evidence alike show that pets can:


  • Lower stress and anxiety levels
  • Improve mood and emotional regulation
  • Encourage physical activity and mobility
  • Provide sensory comfort and grounding
  • Support social connection through community pet events or casual chats with fellow pet lovers


One Behaviour Support Practitioner shared a story about a participant whose mood and engagement dramatically improved after adopting a rescue dog. The participant began taking daily walks, chatting with neighbours, and even attending local dog meetups—activities that had previously felt out of reach.


Interestingly, the benefits aren’t limited to dogs and cats. Birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even fish have been shown to offer calming effects and companionship. For participants in supported accommodation or those with limited mobility, low-maintenance pets can still provide meaningful interaction and joy.


Practitioners are now exploring ways to incorporate pet therapy into behaviour support plans, including:


  • Facilitated visits with therapy animals
  • Support to adopt or foster pets
  • Collaboration with local animal shelters and pet programs
  • Education around pet care and responsibilities

Of course, every participant’s needs and circumstances are different, and careful planning is essential. But the growing interest in pet-based therapeutic strategies reflects a broader commitment to holistic, person-centred support.


As one practitioner put it: “Sometimes the best kind of support has four legs and a wagging tail.”


Check out our photos of all the pets among the helpz family.


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Kia’s Big Leap: From Challenges to Triumph at McDonald’s

November 7, 2025
At helpz, we love celebrating milestones that highlight resilience, growth, and the power of support. Today, we shine a spotlight on Kia, a young woman whose journey reminds us that with compassion and belief, incredible things are possible. Kia has faced more challenges than most her age. Growing up in foster care and overcoming significant hurdles in her early years has not stopped her. Kia has not let her life story define her spirit. Recently, she achieved a life-changing milestone: she proudly started her first job at McDonald’s . This isn’t just employment; it’s a symbol of her growing confidence, independence, and belief in herself. Working at McDonald’s is more than flipping burgers and serving fries. For Kia, it’s an opportunity to develop essential life and work skills; communication, teamwork, following routines, and managing new responsibilities. Each shift strengthens her sense of purpose and pride, proving that she’s capable of thriving in a structured, supportive environment. The McDonald’s team has played a vital role in Kia’s success. Their welcoming and inclusive approach ensures she feels supported as she learns at her own pace. Patient guidance from colleagues, combined with ongoing encouragement from her behaviour support practitioner, Marika Williams, has created a foundation where Kia can flourish. Equally deserving of recognition is Renee, Kia’s Living Skills Keyworker from Catholic Care . Renee has worked tirelessly alongside Kia, providing consistent, grounded support that has been instrumental in helping her reach this milestone. Her dedication, patience, and unwavering belief in Kia have made a profound impact, and we deeply appreciate the role she’s played in Kia’s journey. Starting a customer-facing role is no small feat for someone who has experienced social anxiety and depression. Every interaction, every smile exchanged, is a step toward conquering fears that once felt overwhelming. Kia is not just earning a pay cheque, she’s building confidence, practising social skills, and connecting with others in meaningful ways. Kia’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right supports, compassion, and belief, people can achieve incredible things. She is discovering her strengths, embracing new challenges, and proving to herself, and to all of us, that she is capable of greatness. Congratulations, Kia! Your courage and determination inspire us all. Here’s to many more milestones and a future filled with possibilities.

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The new NDIS needs assessment

November 7, 2025
Are you ready for a fairer, simpler NDIS? What the new support needs assessments mean for you and your clients The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is evolving, and one of the most exciting changes on the horizon is the introduction of support needs assessments, set to roll out from mid-2026. These assessments promise to make planning fairer, more consistent, and less stressful for participants, families, and providers alike. So, what’s changing and why does it matter? What are support needs assessments? Support needs assessments are a new way for the NDIS to understand what supports a person with disability truly needs. Instead of relying on participants to gather their own reports and evidence, the NDIS will use a validated, strengths-based tool called the I-CAN (Instrument for Classification and Assessment of Support Needs) — developed by the Centre for Disability Studies and refined over 20 years. This tool focuses on a person’s support needs, not just their impairments, and is built on the globally recognised International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Why this is a game-changer For too long, participants have faced the burden of sourcing costly reports, navigating complex systems, and advocating for their needs in planning meetings. The new assessments will: remove the need for participants to provide their own evidence create fairer and more equitable budgets offer more flexibility and choice in support arrangements ensure consistency across the NDIS planning process And importantly, the government will fund these assessments, not participants. How will it work? Trained, accredited assessors will meet with participants aged 16 and over to complete the assessment. The process will include: a personalised interview using the I-CAN tool consideration of environmental and personal circumstances additional assessments for complex support needs The NDIA is working closely with the disability community to co-design this process, ensuring it reflects lived experience and is accessible to all. What’s next? The rollout will be gradual, with full implementation expected over five years. This phased approach allows for real-time feedback and continuous improvement. Most participants will continue using the current planning process for now, but the NDIA will notify individuals when it’s time for their assessment. Final thought: planning with purpose This isn’t just a new tool — it’s a new mindset. By focusing on what people need to live well, rather than what they can’t do, the NDIS is taking a major step toward a more inclusive, empowering future. Are you ready to support your clients through this change? Now’s the time to learn, prepare, and embrace a more proactive approach to planning.