In 2023, our Acacia Prison team in Perth, Australia, celebrated the success of the ‘My Mind, My Body, My Spirit’ initiative after it won its category at the WANADA (Western Australian Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies) 2023 Strong Spirit, Strong Mind awards.
Designed in collaboration with Wungening Aboriginal Corporation (an 'Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation' serving First Nations people in the Perth metropolitan area) this culturally secure programme was developed in close consultation with dedicated First Nations colleagues and First Nations community members to address the impact of substance use on physical, spiritual, cultural, emotional and social wellbeing.
Implemented within Acacia Prison, the programme has witnessed significant positive transformations in the lives of its participants, helping to bring hope and healing to individuals, families, and communities. By empowering customers with tools to make healthy choices from a First Nations perspective, ‘My Mind, My Body, My Spirit’ aims to create positive change not only within the prison but also beyond its walls.
A significant milestone in the programme's journey was its participation in the esteemed Aboriginal Alcohol and Other Drug Worker Forum, hosted by WANADA. This two-day conference provided a platform for professionals in the drug and alcohol support sector to learn, share and connect, which served to enrich the programme's approach.
‘My Mind, My Body, My Spirit’ was recognised for its significance and impact within the community at the 2023 Strong Spirit, Strong Mind Awards. Additionally, the Solid Ground Program, another initiative linked to Acacia Prison, was honoured as a finalist in the Innovative Program Award category.