Cornish Charity Supports Ex-Offenders into Employment

Ex-offenders across Cornwall given new chance at work

A Redruth charity is helping people with offending histories build confidence and move closer to paid employment after completing a two month programme supported by National Grid.

Konnect Communities worked with 11 people from Truro, Camborne, St Austell and mid Cornwall to help them find jobs. The work was funded by a grant from National Grid Electricity Distribution’s Community Matters Fund, which supports skills and employment.

Workshops aimed at building real-world skills

Konnect Communities ran workshops led by volunteers with experience of the criminal justice system. The sessions helped people who have been through the system or are at risk of offending.

Those taking part developed their CVs, learnt how to research roles and worked on presentation and interview skills. A local employer also gave advice on what recruiters look for.

A digital session focused on online job searching, writing emails and completing web based applications.

All 11 participants received support to write disclosure letters explaining their criminal records to potential employers.

Sue, who took part, said: “Konnect Communities and the volunteers have helped me become so much more confident, somewhere I was lost previously. They’re so good at the individual unique approach to supporting and teaching others. I truly can’t thank them enough.”

Early signs of progress

Tracy Waters of Konnect Communities said people with offending histories face “persistent barriers to employment” including a lack of understanding around employer expectations and difficulty convincing employers to give them a chance.

“These obstacles can leave individuals feeling excluded and hopeless,” said Tracy. “But through targeted one to one and group support, we help people develop essential skills and present themselves positively to employers. This not only opens the door to meaningful work and long term stability, it plays a vital role in reducing the risk of re offending.

“Two clients have already secured employment and one has enrolled in further education. Four others attended interviews and performed better because of the skills and support they received.

“We’re grateful for NGED’s grant which enabled us to offer clients new opportunities beyond our core services. Crucially, it also allows us to build meaningful partnerships with local employers, creating real world connections that help bridge the gap between support and sustainable employment.”

Ellie Patey, NGED’s Social Impact Business Partner, said: “It’s terrific to see how this project has improved confidence, given people a new sense of purpose and reduced social isolation.”

According to NGED, the Community Matters Fund has awarded £11.8 million to more than 2,100 grassroots organisations since 2021.