Derrick understands what it’s like to face court and prison

Derrick understands what it’s like to face court and prison

He now lives in Plymouth and helps out and volunteers wherever he possibly can. He’s completely dedicated to improving the lives of the people around him: from the Food Bank to Hamoaze House; from Our Space at Theatre Royal Plymouth to Alcoholics Anonymous; and from the Soup Run to CASS+.

But things haven’t always been this way for Derrick.

 

Turning a past into a future

Sadly, as a child, he and his brothers and sisters witnessed their family home and community in Attercliffe Sheffield levelled to the ground. Derrick found it easier to live in a tent with his dog. Unfortunately, he was arrested for the first time on his 16th birthday. From 1974 to 2014, he was street homeless, in and out of prison for 40 years.

 

Derrick’s life flipped in 2014

However, Derrick’s life flipped in 2014 when he saw a CASS+ poster at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court. He was in a cell, at rock bottom and knew he needed help.

 

Derrick asked to see CASS+

Derrick asked to see CASS+. We talked to him like a normal human being. We spoke up for him in court. We sorted out his benefits. The next step was rehab at Hamoaze House for 18 months.

This was more than a light-bulb moment. From that day forth, Derrick’s mind was renewed. With the support on hand, he started on the path to recovery and has not looked back since. He has just celebrated 10 years of sobriety.

 

Putting the past behind

18 months later, thanks to our partner, Hamoaze House, the life that Derrick was leading fell away. We are proud to announce that he is now trusted by all the places that have helped him in the past. First and foremost, this inner strength and achievement cannot be under-estimated or over-looked.

This is why Derrick understands what it’s like for the people who come through our door.

 

Active church goer

As a result of ongoing Bible studies which started in prison, Derrick was baptised in 2016. He has found the Bible to be a constant source of strength. Consequently, he is an active church goer, regularly attending St Matts and St Andrews. His faith has given him strength and he knows the power of forgiveness. He really enjoyed volunteering at the Creation Festival this summer. This truly is the path to recovery.

 

Derrick is a connector

As a result of all his community work, Derrick is known by a good number of the people who come through court. They know he understands what it’s like to be street homeless, thinking about where the next drink would come from.

As we build trust with the people who come through our door, we hope that the change that Derrick has experienced will ripple through our community as we reach out to help more and more people inside Plymouth Magistrates’ Court.

 

Breaking the cycle of re-offending

Derrick is living proof that, given the right support at the right time, it really is possible to break the cycle of re-offending.

 

Now my life has purpose

Derrick’s life now has purpose through his work as a volunteer. In his words:

I know I would have died if I had gone back to prison in 2014. Now my life has purpose. Shalom.

 

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