A group from Corrections Victoria, Australia, recently visited the Matapuna Special Treatment Unit in Christchurch Men’s Prison, to experience first-hand the workings of the therapeutic community that operates within the unit's rehabilitative programmes.

Matapuna Special Treatment Unit, where rehabilitative programmes are delivered to men who are at high risk of re-offending, is a unique environment where the men come together to support each other and share their experiences.

Corrections has close relationships with all Australian corrections departments, which allows us to share insights and ideas.

The visitors from Victoria were impressed by the therapeutic community approach and Clinical Services Manager Linda Davey says Matapuna has been a real inspiration to them. They hope to introduce some of what they’ve learned into their own programmes back in Victoria.

Manager Psychological Services Karla Mattson says, "to have people from overseas recognise that we are doing really great work, and to have them experience it so positively makes me feel really proud of what we do."

Watch the video below to find out more about the visit to Matapuna STU.