A recent Wellness Expo in Tauranga has helped offenders in the Bay of Plenty community to address their health and wellbeing.

The Wellness Expo was held as part of Corrections' Work and Living skills (WLS) initiative, which provides training to help offenders develop skills to deal with issues that lead them to offend.

The Expo was held at Community Corrections Greerton, with work parties from Te Puke also attending.

Offenders visited interactive stalls and were able to talk to providers who specialise in nutrition, diabetes awareness, first aid, smoking cessation, rongoa massage, gambling support, budgeting support, family planning, rongoa medicine and community health support services.

One of the highlights of the day was the first aid CPR mannequin provided by St John. Attendees were challenged to try and beat the scores from members of the New Zealand basketball team the NZ Breakers for the most effective resuscitation method.

However, practising first aid wasn't the only way to work up a sweat, with Sport Bay of Plenty putting those who were keen through their paces with 'bootcamp” exercises.

Bay of Plenty Community Corrections District Manager Pauline Moran recognises the value in these experiences.

'All of the feedback we have received from attendees has been very positive,” confirms Pauline.

'Everyone was engaged and having fun, which is great, but they were also learning skills that can assist them to lead healthy and pro-social lives.

'But it wasn't just offenders who appreciated the experience. It has been really heartening to hear from the providers who were involved.”

The agencies involved included the Problem Gambling Foundation, Tauranga Budget Advisory Service, Te Oturu Oranga, Sport BOP, St John, Body Worx, Pirirakau Hauroa, Diabetes New Zealand, Western BoP Community Nurses/Nutrition Specialist and Family Planning.