05/12/2023
Great to get recognition for the success and hard work Annika has contributed to Harry's Healthy Treats over the years.
NDIS Participant Annika keeps Melbourne’s pooches smiling.
Many of us can relate to that sense of wellbeing, optimism and overall happiness that comes from feeling independent, helping us feel more purposeful and motivated as we move through life’s many different stages.
It’s a feeling that National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participant Annika knows well. She founded ‘Harry’s Healthy Treats’ – a social enterprise that sells home-made dog biscuits to Melbourne’s cafes.
“I enjoy cooking, movies, going overseas and anything to do with nature,” says the 44-year-old, who has an intellectual disability and lives in her family home in the Melbourne suburb of Kew.
“I really love to learn and spend my time with my support worker Amanda – we have such a great time cooking the biscuits together. She gives me a lot of support.”
Annika first partnered with a café in Clifton Hill, a suburb in northeast Melbourne, when she kicked off Harry’s Healthy Treats – named after her late beloved dog Harry – in 2018.
“They sell pretty quickly there nowadays,” she says, adding the business sells to five cafes today, as well as a few private clients.
All profits go to Collingwood Children’s Farm, where Annika has been a volunteer for the past 14 years.
“I’ve worked with Annika for the past four years,” says Amanda, an Occupational Therapy student and an NDIS support worker who helps Annika to be as independent as possible.
“At the start we had some goals to increase her community participation under her NDIS plan. We focus on biscuit production and her weekly routine. I’ve seen a huge amount of growth in her confidence and independence – from putting together the ingredient list and baking the biscuits, to engaging with her clients when she delivers them.”
“Annika’s support has been incredible,” adds Annika’s mother Diane, who used to be her primary carer alongside her husband David. “Amanda is so special. Apart from anything else, she is a fantastic role model for Annika.”
Annika’s story comes as the world marks International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD,) a United Nations-observed day held annually on 3 December. In Australia, IDPwD is a joint effort between government, schools, organisations, community groups, businesses and individuals to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
“The NDIS has really been great for us as a family,” says Diane.
“Annika is very busy thanks to the support from the scheme. She has a very fulfilled life, she’s out nearly every day. She has her business, goes to the farm, has someone help her cook and budget. She really is a great NDIS success story.”
Thank you Annika for sharing your story with us – best of luck for the future of Harry’s Healthy Treats!
