Foster Care / Care System

Despite a challenging childhood in the care system, Paris Bartholomew has shown remarkable resilience, courage, and strength. Her ability to rise above adversity and create a successful, meaningful life is a testament to her determination. She shares her journey through honest and compelling storytelling without shying away from its painful realities. Her focus on survival and resilience profoundly resonates with audiences, inspiring them to overcome challenges and empower others to do the same.

Foster carers need to be aware of trauma-informed care and some understanding of meeting the needs of children who have experienced complex trauma; that’s what I didn’t get in some of my placements. Matching should be carefully considered, as my experience of placement suitability was sometimes poor. There has to be a clear and explicit plan for ensuring cultural, social, spiritual and emotional needs are met, not just physical needs. As an older child, there was a lack of opportunities for addressing my previous care, childhood experiences and open discussion about my birth family.

– Paris’ reflection on being an older child in Foster Care

Charity Work

Paris Bartholomew has achieved personal success and devoted herself to supporting charities and giving back to the community. Her commitment to service reflects her compassion and dedication to making a difference. Her story is a powerful testament to the impact of resilience and determination, inspiring others to confront their challenges with courage and embrace their own journeys of healing and growth.

Disability – Inclusion and Equality

Paris lives with an autoimmune disease & COPD, & has been an associate trainer for the Business Disability Forum, advocating for reasonable adjustments in the workplace, especially for those living with an invisible disability like herself. Having had a misdiagnosis and then a two-year wait for a suitable consultant, she has endured physical & emotional pain, which impacted her mental health in such a way that she had to seek alternative healing & growth. She’s a caring expert with vast knowledge and the ability to captivate her audience through natural-ability storytelling and lived experience. It’s a unique opportunity to meet a speaker with such a wealth of experience to share.

Awards

Paris’s contributions to the community have earned her significant recognition. She was nominated for Role Model of the Year at the 2023 National Diversity Awards and was a CPD Trainer of the Year finalist at the CPD Accreditation Service. Among her achievements are her writing progression and her British Sign Language Level 2 certification. This year, she is a finalist for Speaker of the Year at the Women’s Business Awards—a further testament to the impact of her work. Her dedication has inspired countless individuals and driven meaningful change, particularly within children’s services across the UK.

Mental Health / Trauma Recovery

In addition to being an inspirational speaker, Paris has acquired various qualifications, including a Masters in Psychology, lecturer, trainer, counsellor, and foster carer. She employs mindfulness and meditation techniques to enhance her well-being and advocates for their benefits to others. Paris’ fun, passionate, and inspiring approach to her talks leaves a lasting impact on her audience, instilling hope and a sense of possibility that recovery from trauma is attainable.

Educational Speaker

Known for her engaging, dynamic, and authentic speaking style, Paris thrives in challenging environments, including prisons and children’s homes, where her compelling storytelling and expertise leave a lasting impression. As a former secondary school teacher, Paris has a deep passion for education and motivating all audiences. Her talks offer an educational and insightful perspective into being a looked-after child in London, shedding light on the difficulties and hardships she encountered during her time in the care system. However, the absence of victimhood sets her talk apart, as she chooses to focus on the themes of survival and growth.  She also trains headteachers and professionals in trauma-informed care, ensuring that support systems are more inclusive and effective.

Speaking Topics

 Care system in the UK  Resilience  Wellbeing  Hidden Disability  Overcoming adversity  Childhood trauma  Equality, Diversity & Inclusion  Mental health  Positive Psychology  Self-esteem and confidence  Mindfulness  Relationships

Paris continues to make a difference in all aspects of her work. As an associate trainer for the Business Disability Forum and the Fostering Network, alongside her impactful public speaking engagements, her mission is to transform lives. Through her thought-provoking presentations, she delivers valuable insights and inspires action, encouraging others to make a tangible difference in their communities.

To hire motivational resilience speaker Paris Bartholomew, contact the team at Great British Speakers today.  Email Jane and Steve at [email protected] or call +44 1753 439 289

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