The Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) is one step closer to becoming smoke-free with ACT Corrective Services bringing the Cancer Council ACT on board to provide training for quit smoking intervention to detainees and staff.
Announced by the Minister for Corrections, Mick Gentleman, the AMC is due to become a smoke-free correctional centre by mid-2023.
“We know quitting smoking can be difficult so the government is collaborating with Cancer Council ACT to provide training to support the transition to a smoke-free environment,” Mr Gentleman said.
“The training will help equip staff and detainees with the skills to provide support, encouragement, and advice on how to quit smoking,” he said.
“The transition to a smoke-free AMC will occur in stages.
“Staff will also be supported to quit smoking if they wish to.”
Mr Gentleman said programs would be available to staff and detainees, along with nicotine patches and lozenges.
He said detainees would also have access to diversionary activities such as exercise, art, barbecues, along with QUIT resources, Justice Health Services and the Winnunga Health Clinic for ongoing support.
“As part of the program, detainees are being made aware of the supports available and key upcoming transition activities, such as the gradual reduction of tobacco of availability in the AMC,” the Minister said.
“We already have more than 100 detainees accessing Nicotine Replacement Therapy within the centre,” he said.
