Patrick is a memoir that focuses on the author's career, first working as a senior support worker in London's homeless hostels, then as a filmmaker for humanitarian and healthcare organisations.

He shares his observations, thoughts, and feelings from working on the front line of disaster response across Europe, Africa, and Asia, and the emotional toll of working in those environments.

Shepherd describes periods of self-medication, therapy, and recovery, while also providing insight into some of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time. The book also explores his neurodiversity and the impact it had on his childhood, schooling, and career.