Rolling out the Red Cross Community-Based Health and First Aid programme at Acacia Prison in Western Australia

Our customers 2019

In October 2019, we launched a new programme aimed at increasing prisoner health-related awareness to improve reintegration outcomes at the Serco-operated Acacia Prison in Western Australia. It is the largest rollout of the Red Cross Community-Based Health and First Aid programme in the world so far.

The programme, which is a first for Western Australia, involves 22 prisoner volunteers at Acacia Prison, who are being trained and upskilled to provide support to the wider prison population to deliver positive health and wellbeing outcomes.

Acacia Prison Director Brenton Williams says the programme plays a complementary role to the prison’s rehabilitation and reintegration strategy, which is underpinned by our restorative justice framework and responsible prisoner model: “Serco understands that in order to make a positive contribution to society, prison should be as much about improving the lives of those in our care and subsequently reducing reoffending following their release as keeping the facility safe and secure.”

"At Acacia, we deliver specialist intervention, education and vocational training, healthcare and employment opportunities, supported by post-release support programmes, which are critical to ensuring successful community reintegration."

“We really value our collaboration with Red Cross and the outstanding work they do achieving the qualitative outcomes that benefit not only individuals, but also their families and respective communities.”