First participants graduate from Australian Red Cross program

15% of the population of a women’s prison in Tasmania have graduated from an Australian Red Cross program to improve health and wellbeing outcomes.

The women graduated from the Volunteering For Change program, funded by the Tasmanian Government, on 6 December. This program is based on the Red Cross Community Based Health & First Aid Model which has been adapted to Tasmania.

Under the program, prisoners receive first aid, mental health first aid, and cultural training (the latter delivered by Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre).

After graduating, prisoners will identify projects that can help improve their community within the prison.

“This program is internationally recognised by the World Health Organisation, and this milestone is a stronger step towards achieving stronger humanitarian outcomes,” said Australian Red Cross Acting Tasmania Director, Jake Smith.

“Stronger health and wellbeing outcomes in prison lead to greater rehabilitation opportunities and ultimately reintegration opportunities in the community,” he said.

“While the program operates across Australia, Tasmania was the first government to fund the program directly. This milestone represents a good humanitarian outcome for Tasmanians,” he said.

Media: media@redcross.org.au, 1800 733 443.