This year’s Knife Crime Awareness Week 2026, which will run from 18 to 24 May, has two pledges: first, to highlight the importance of everyday conversations, shared responsibility, and early action in protecting young people; and second, for communities and established bodies to provide safe spaces and support for such individuals.

Central to both pledges is a simple truth: people are less likely to reoffend, or to become entangled in knife crime in the first place, when they have stability, purpose, and a route into employment. Without those foundations, the cycle continues.

Procure Plus is one of the organisations helping to change that reoffending cycle no matter the original offence. The not-for-profit procurement company partners with industry employers across the housing and construction sectors to give ex-offenders the skills, experience, and confidence to build a new life – removing some of the very conditions that drive knife crime in communities.

One such partnership has been with City & Guilds, providing women at HMP Styal with opportunities to prepare for life beyond prison by shaping pathways into employment. This includes practical training and skills development, helping to open up new career prospects for women in the justice system and reduce reoffending. This encouragement can be life-changing – as it was for Rosie.

Rosie was initially introduced to Procure Plus via HMP Styal, where she was serving a sentence, but was about to go into open conditions where she would be able to work under Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL).

Having already completed the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) while in prison, she was keen to take the next step and gain practical work experience.

Spire Construction Services, a contractor offering entry-level roles, worked with Procure Plus to secure Rosie an interview with construction company ISG. Rosie impressed from the outset and was offered a position, where her responsibilities included supporting other contractors, setting up the site, cleaning down, taking deliveries, and working on other duties where needed.

After a successful trial, Rosie’s strong work ethic and professionalism quickly earned her the respect of the team, and it wasn’t long before she was offered a full-time role.

Peter Allen, Project Director at ISG, said: “One of the greatest challenges in construction is finding dependable, committed people who bring real enthusiasm to site work.

“Rosie has done exactly that – her professionalism and dedication have made her a truly valued member of the site team.

“The partnership that Spire has with Procure Plus is a fabulous initiative, and Rosie is a superb example of how successful it can be.”

When Rosie’s contract with ISG ended, Procure Plus referred her to Wates Group, where she progressed to building houses while still working for Spire under ROTL.

Following her release from prison, Rosie embarked on her new career with the continued wrap-around support of Procure Plus and the teams on-site.

Scott Hollingsworth, Logistics Manager at Spire Construction Services, said: “What a ray of sunshine she has been for us. Rosie is very hardworking; no job is too big or small for her.

“In the time that Rosie has been with us, she has shown great leadership qualities and leads by example. Between Spire and Procure Plus, we’re going to put Rosie through SSSTS, which is a supervisor exam. Rosie’s dedication and commitment to her work are truly commendable.”

Today, Rosie is thriving with a ground-working company, continuing to build a successful career in the construction industry. She is just one of many people demonstrating that rehabilitation works, and that with the right support at the right time, individuals can break the cycle of reoffending and go on to build fulfilling lives.

Bree Adshead, Employment and Training Manager at Procure Plus, said: “Watching Rosie’s journey over the past three years has been genuinely inspiring. She came to us determined to make the most of every opportunity, and that’s exactly what she’s done – building a rewarding career in construction through her hard work and determination.

“Rosie’s story is a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when the right doors are opened at the right time. We know that access to training and employment can be truly transformational – not just for individuals, but for the communities around them.

“We’re proud to work with partners like ISG and Spire who are just as committed to providing the supportive environment needed for sustained rehabilitation.”