Community Story: Konnect Communities

For our final feature profiling a recent recipient of a grant from National Grid’s Community Matters Fund 2025 (Future Skills) we are in the West Country to meet with Konnect Communities. Luke Upton chatted with Tracy Waters from the organisation to talk impact, challenges, the Ged On project and more.

Luke Upton (LU): Thanks for the time today, Tracy, as an introduction for our readers, could you tell us some more about the community you serve? And why your support is needed.

Tracy Waters (TW): No problem, Luke. Konnect Communities provides person-centred support and various workshops and training for young people and adults (14+) who are unemployed and either involved in the criminal justice system or who are at risk of entering it. We also deliver a successful volunteer programme in which we encourage people with lived experience of the justice system to use their experiences to help others overcome barriers and achieve their potential. Our aims are to help people rebuild their lives, reduce the risk of reoffending/offending, and to create safer communities that are free from harm. People with offending histories face persistent and complex barriers to employment, from outdated CVs and uncertainty around disclosing unspent convictions, to a lack of understanding about employer expectations and the challenge of convincing employers to take a chance on them. These obstacles can leave individuals feeling excluded and hopeless. But through targeted one-to-one and group support, we help people rebuild their confidence, 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 and fostering safer, more inclusive communities.

LU: Sounds important work, what’s been your particular focus in recent years?

TW: Since its founding in 2014, Konnect Communities has been dedicated to supporting adults whose lives have been shaped by complex challenges and offending behaviour, overcome adversity, and move toward a more stable future. In recent years, we’ve expanded this proven model to work with young people aged 14 and over who are at risk of offending, offering early intervention through meaningful adult connections that can divert them from entering the criminal justice system. This dual approach—preventing first-time involvement and supporting those already affected aims to break cycles of offending, reduce reoffending, and build safer, more resilient communities.

LU: You’ve funding from the Community Matters Fund from National Grid and Localgiving. Can you tell us some more about the project it will help fund and deliver?

TW: The Ged On project delivers a programme of three skills-based workshops, designed to support individuals with lived experience of the Criminal Justice system in building practical skills, increasing knowledge, and moving closer to employment. This project offers a powerful pathway to employment for individuals facing barriers to work. Through a series of targeted workshops, each with 10 spaces, we’re equipping people with the practical tools and confidence they need to take the next step. CVs Simplified breaks down the process of crafting a strong, effective CV; Digital Jumpstart builds essential IT skills for everyday life and the modern workplace; and Career Quest empowers participants with the strategies and self-belief needed to navigate job searches and interviews. Promoted through our client network, delivery partners, and social media, these workshops are designed to reach those who need them most and open doors to lasting opportunity.

To further enrich the learning experience, we have partnered with a local employer who will support one of the sessions, providing clients with first-hand insight into what employers look for during interviews. In addition to the workshops, our dedicated volunteers, who have lived experience, offer personalised one-to-one support to clients. This includes helping individuals craft effective disclosure letters and tailor job applications to highlight their strengths and potential. Their guidance not only builds confidence but also ensures each client is equipped with the tools and language to present themselves positively to employers.

LU: And with the project now complete, you have some great results, don’t you?

TW: Yes, we really do. We delivered the project between 1 August and 30 September 2025 and have had a number of strong outcomes across key performance indicators.

CV Development saw 11 clients completed a CV with volunteer support, ensuring they now have a professional document that reflects their skills and experiences. With Disclosure Support 11 clients completed a disclosure letter, enabling them to approach employers with honesty and confidence regarding their criminal records. In supporting Interview Skills, 11 clients attended interview skills training, learning techniques such as the STAR method, research skills, and professional presentation. Several received follow-up one-to-one support with volunteers. Digital Skills: 10 clients attended digital skills workshop, improving their competency in online applications, email use, and job searching.  Employment Outcomes: two clients have already secured employment, and 1 has enrolled in further education.  And interviews secured: four clients attended interviews since joining the project, reporting improved performance and confidence as a direct result of the skills and support received.

LU: Thank you, those are brilliant results, in addition to these results, have you had anymore unexpected outcomes?

TW: Thanks, we are very proud of the project. And yes, in addition to individual employability outcomes, the project has helped to reduce social isolation, improve confidence, and given clients a renewed sense of purpose. Volunteers have been instrumental in delivering this support, while also gaining personal growth, transferable skills, and confidence that will assist them in their own journeys into employment. Throughout the sessions, learners got to know each other and formed a really tight, self-supporting group

LU: Brilliant, with these results in mind, how important is this kind of funding to your organisation?

TW: This funding from National Grid through the Community Matters Fund is absolutely vital to our organisation, it allows us to innovate, expand, and deepen our impact. It enables us to offer clients new opportunities that go beyond our core services, introducing fresh workshops and approaches that meet evolving needs. 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. A big thank you! 

LU: As finally as we always like to ask, more money aside, what would help you most?

TW: There are a few things we can point to - more capacity to develop links with local employers who are willing to offer work placements, mock interviews, or job shadowing. Plus, support with media coverage to raise awareness of our work and success stories

LU: Brilliant, thank you very much for sharing these details. We look forward to keeping our readers up to date with your fantastic work.

Follow more about the work that Konnect Communities by clicking here.