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Konnect Communities
Criminal Justice Case Study

Mark’s Story

February 2021
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Background:

Mark self-referred to Konnect’s offender engagement team some months after leaving prison. He had experienced significant trauma and abuse in childhood and suffers from epilepsy and com-plex mental health conditions.

At the point of contact, Mark was homeless, rough-sleeping and had no benefits in place. He was using street drugs, his physical and mental concerns were unmedicated and he was expressing suicidal thoughts. During his period of homelessness, he experienced renewed coercion from previous gang associates. This worsened his mental health; he was keen to move away from the risks of criminal association.

Konnect's Support:

A Konnect offender engagement mentor worked with Mark and a comprehensive action plan was put in place.

Mark was supported to put in a basic benefit claim for Universal Credit (UC) and we established as a priority need for emergency accommodation. Secure housing was found for Mark when the risks of criminal exploitation emerged once again.

Konnect accompanied Mark to addiction recovery services and helped to arrange and attend physical and mental health care assessments.

Konnect worked with Mark to put in an application for PIP and we collaborated with housing partners to secure a move into accommodation in a safer region.

Konnect encouraged and supported Mark to attend regular probation appointments and desist from offending.

I know the system, I’ve had other workers that I’ve lost faith in. [The Konnect Criminal Justice Mentor Programme] is the best thing that could have happened to me. What a worker. I’ve got my life back. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn't for [Konnect], I’d be dead.

Konnect Case Team Member

Konnect's Impact:

With Konnect’s advocacy support, Mark’s PIP application was awarded at a high level. He has not re-offended and has completed his licence period without recall to prison. As a result, he is no longer on the prolific and priority offender (PPO) list.

Mark is stable on a script and demonstrates this through the submission of regular, clean tests.

He maintained his place in temporary housing for 12 months and moved into his own flat in February 2021.

This allowed Mark to start long-term mental health treatment and management recommended by CMHT.
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When a client comes to us, we work to address and resolve multiple barriers that might prevent them from moving forward. By putting the right support system in place, we can overcome these barriers.

Our clients include those who have complex and diverse needs, those who have been involved in the criminal justice system and individuals who feel lost or ‘stuck’. We empower every individual to find pathways to enable them to progress with their lives.

We provide practical support in matters such as finance, housing, health and well-being, education, training and employment. And, we guide individuals through personal challenges using a trauma-informed approach towards our mentoring and support.

Our experience allows us to provide non-discriminatory and non-judgemental support, including to those involved in the criminal justice system or who have complex and diverse needs.

We see the value in everyone and we understand that self-worth is the foundation for a brighter future. We enable everyone to feel heard and to feel that they belong; empowering them to rebuild their lives.

Based in the heart of Cornwall, our team members work across Cornwall and into the South West. We work in partnership with local and national services to provide a whole-person approach to our support and advocacy.

We are a not for profit organisation and as such, we rely on grants, funding and support from allied trusts. If you would like to see how you can support our work, please click the button below to find out more.