Derrick came to We Are Footprint in early 2023 through a Willmott Dixon introduction day, having been referred via Procure Plus. At the time, he was navigating long-term unemployment and searching for an opportunity to re-enter the workforce. From the beginning, Derrick felt that We Are Footprint went above and beyond, not only to place him into meaningful employment, but also to ensure he remained supported during other challenges.
Derrick has worked for us across a variety of sites with Willmott Dixon, GMI Construction, and MTX Construction, taking on roles as both a labourer and, thanks to our upskilling programme, as a Banksman. His willingness to learn and adapt stood out, and our team was committed to nurturing that potential.
However, during the summer of 2023, Derrick’s personal circumstances changed. His wife faced a serious health struggle, and Derrick needed to take time away from work to support his family. During this period, our team - particularly Stephanie Harrop, our Aftercare and Well‑being Manager and Chris Coward one of our Account Managers. They kept in regular contact with Derrick, offering emotional support and searching for roles that could accommodate his situation. He later shared that knowing he wasn’t alone made a significant difference to his mental wellbeing during an extremely difficult time.
Finding flexible work that suited his new responsibilities wasn’t easy, but Derrick consistently felt that we did everything possible to help. The consistent communication and our willingness to adapt around his family’s needs gave him reassurance and hope, knowing he was being met with genuine understanding and care.
Today, Derrick is once again working on a site that’s within walking distance of his home, allowing him to support his wife and spend more time with his children. His wife is on a slow but steady path to recovery, and Derrick’s focus is firmly on building a stronger future for his family.
He speaks openly about feeling comfortable and trusting We Are Footprint, and how our support helped him during very trying times. Now that he’s back in a stable role, Derrick is eager to upskill even further and is looking ahead to gaining new qualifications and broader responsibilities in the construction industry.
He’s particularly looking forward to a family holiday this year - a chance for him, his wife, and their children to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. After a challenging period, the opportunity to step away and focus on family means a great deal. Derrick now feels more optimistic about the future and is taking steady steps towards personal and professional growth.
His story is one of perseverance, dignity, and the transformative power of the right support at the right time.
At We Are Footprint, we’re proud to stand beside Derrick on his journey and look forward to continuing to walk that path with him as he builds a better future.
