Red Cross Australia created the Community Based Health First Aid program in 2018, with four prisons implementing the program since - NSW, QLD, WA and SA.

As part of the initiative, prisoners train to become Special Status Red Cross Volunteers, and work with prison staff and Red Cross facilitators to develop projects within the prison community.

Some of those programs already developed in mainland prisons were campaigns around Hepatitis C awareness, bullying, drug and alcohol harm minimisation, hygiene, safe women workshops, and cultural support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners.

Now, the Tasmanian Liberal Party has promised to deliver the program in the state, as part of its justice policy.

Releasing that policy this week, Corrections Minister Elise Archer said the party would partner with Red Cross, committing $780,000 over three years.

"Already seeing success in other states, this program has seen a positive effect on prisoner behaviour and in reducing rates of reoffending," she said.

"Access to programs, education and employment for inmates is a priority, helping to address the underlying reasons why people re-offend and maximise the chances of successful reintegration back into the community."

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In August last year, an evaluation of the program at the Townsville Womens' Correctional Centre found it had contributed to a reduction in prison violence, an increase in health and safety, and improved relationships between prisoners and guards.

The evaluation was completed by Flinders University and one of its researchers Associate Professor David Bright said it found 75 per cent of volunteers claimed to have "really changed from who they were when they first came into prison".

"This indicates improved self-confidence, feelings of worthiness and hope for the future, with 50 per cent of volunteers feeling hopeful and positive about the future," he said.

"There were notable changes in levels of confidence, self-esteem and life-skills competency of both participants and some prisoners beyond the CBHFA participants."

Responding to the research, Red Cross Team Leader Community Justice and Partnerships Rachel Montgomery said the training included elements that would also help with reintegration after release.

"The methodology ensures that volunteers learn by doing and encourages personal development and accountability," she said.

"These skills benefit volunteers and the broader prison community and have long term benefits for volunteers that transfer beyond the prison gate."

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