Konnect Communities
Criminal Justice Case Study

Simon’s Story

2021
Konnect Communities logo

Background:

Simon* is a single man in his late 30s who was experiencing domestic abuse from his ex-partner, both before they separated and as an ongoing concern.
In 2020, he lost his father to suicide and relocated to Cornwall with his then-partner and their two children. The family experienced homelessness and lived in temporary accommodation until a permanent home was found. At this point, the relationship began to break down and Simon was emotionally and physically abused by his partner. The relationship ended and Simon was left with the children and in temporary accommodation.
The abuse continued, culminating in an attack from the ex-partner and her new boyfriend, leading to the arrest of the boyfriend. Simon was referred to First Light through MARAC.
Simon was unhappy in his new accommodation which was damp. By allowing his ex-partner access to the children, he continued to suffer abuse and feared further assaults.

*Simon’s real name has been changed to protect his identity.

Konnect's Support:

Konnect helped Simon to unpick his issues and begin to address places where he could gain support. Simon’s relationship with his ex-partner was complex; despite continued bullying, intimidation and abuse, he supported her and continued to allow her access to the children, initially refusing to get any restraining orders in place. He felt that he was a bad influence on her as they regularly abused alcohol and drugs.
Simon shared that he was concerned about the impact of this on his children but continued to demonstrate that he was a good father and that his children’s welfare was the priority. After interventions, he was granted sole custody of the children. The ex-partner is allowed limited access to the children but continues to push Simon to allow her access outside of the agreed times. Her behaviour has not improved; she regularly ignores the court order and was arrested for an unrelated issue.

Konnect’s ongoing support has supported incremental improvements in the well-being of Simon and his children. As a male victim of domestic abuse, Simon has experienced deep feelings of inadequacy and his mental health issues have been complex to unpick. Our gentle, consistent approach has allowed Simon to trust support services and to make progress.

Konnect's Impact:

Simon’s story is not yet over and his journey with Konnect continues. His mental health is slowly improving, but he often has a change of heart regarding agreed plans or cancels meetings. Simon paused his relationship with his mentor but has since accepted that he needs further help.
Konnect supported him with resolving the damp issues in his home, but he created difficulties around the work being carried out. He later accepted that he needed further support.
Konnect continues to support Simon and he has agreed to seek a medical diagnosis in relation to his mental health.
He has written to the council to apologise for previous difficulties surrounding property improvements and work is due to start again.
We have been talking about Simon getting a part-time job and making some new friends as a route towards further improving his mental wellbeing.
Download this case study as a PDF
Read more mentoring case studies

Konnect Communities

Referral Form

Confidential Information
Please complete this form as fully as possible

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.