At the Serco-operated Acacia Prison in Western Australia, there are several dozen veterans in our care, including younger, contemporary veterans as well as those who served in the Vietnam War and earlier.
As a veteran of the Australian Regular Army himself, Acacia Prison General Manager John Harrison was keen to establish a veteran support program for prisoners that would also help foster positive engagement with veteran team members. A partnership with community organisation, BuddyUp, is now enabling this to happen.
BuddyUp Australia offers a way for those who have served their country, either domestically or overseas, to connect with like-minded people and regain a sense of purpose. They also help veterans connect to their communities through physical fitness, social activities and purposeful volunteering.
Since the partnership was established, BuddyUp Australia and the Serco team at Acacia Prison have hosted several sessions onsite, offering a space for veteran prisoners to engage, share stories and connect with fellow veterans from the community.
BuddyUp also provides opportunities for the families of veterans in prison to attend BuddyUp Australia events in the community, from coffee mornings to sporting events.
With the sessions at Acacia Prison occurring every six to eight weeks, participants are provided regular opportunities to build positive connections as well as practical skills. For example, on one occasion participants were invited to deliver a presentation to the group on someone inspirational in their life, helping them to build confidence and develop new skills such as conducting research and public speaking. This session was a success, with more participants volunteering to present at future meetings.
To provide additional support to their peers when needed, participants have also been invited to become Veteran Support Workers, with two prisoners now appointed since the programme commenced. Acacia’s Veteran Support Workers are highly motivated individuals who work as part of the Acacia Safer Custody team of Peer Supporters. These veterans are having a positive impact on peers who are normally reluctant to present for services, such as counselling.
The programme continues to deliver a positive experience for veterans accommodated at Acacia Prison and facilitate opportunities for positive engagement with Serco officers and fellow veterans from the community.
