Men in correctional settings face unique challenges, and these are in many ways exacerbated at the point of release. How does a "men's work" and coaching model, building on the lived experience of peer inmates, create meaningful pathways to personal growth, well-being and even reduce recidivism?
The Building Pathways Peer Support Program (BPPSP), managed by Men's Resources Tasmania (MRT) since 2024, is an innovative coaching and peer support initiative for men within the Tasmanian prison system. MRT, a community-based, not-for-profit organisation, run "by men for men", draws on decades of collective experience in men’s work and male wellbeing. The program aims to address disconnection, isolation, anxiety, and distress among prisoners, and to grow rehabilitation and reintegration opportunities in the prison, and reduce recidivism following release.
A cornerstone of the PSP is its coaching-based approach, embodying "men's work" by empowering participants through a non-therapeutic model. Training involves techniques such as motivational interviewing, goal setting, and reflective listening. Coaching components focus on asking effective questions rather than offering advice, guiding participants to develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience. This tailored methodology aligns with research advocating for male-specific interventions.
The program actively develops peer support amongst prison inmates by training selected prisoners as Peer Support Workers (PSWs). The efficacy of this peer-to-peer model is significantly enhanced by the lived experience of the PSWs, allowing them to connect with new inmate, particularly at a time when particularly vulnerable – on arrival in the prison. PSWs provide crucial support such as assisting with understanding prison operations, administrative tasks, encouraging access to health services, and offering social and emotional support. They also provide ongoing mental health check-in options for the inmate population. Program objectives include maintaining a core group of Peer Support Workers, promoting broader mental health and wellbeing support, enhancing life skills, and aiding rehabilitation outcomes.
Positive outcomes reported include increased self-esteem, self-worth, confidence, and improved communication skills for peer workers. Inmates engaging with the PSP have reported reduced feelings of isolation and anxiety, improved communication skills, increased confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose and connection. The BPPSP's broader goals are to cultivate a prosocial culture within the correctional system and the community, leading to reduced recidivism and strengthened communities. Challenges persist, such as securing sufficient funding for volunteer coaches and trainers and overcoming institutional barriers that can limit the consistent utilisation of PSWs by correctional staff.