Survive grow inspire

Survive grow inspire Paris Bartholomew is a motivational speaker who gives an educational & inspirational insight

I'm a motivational & inspirational speaker who gives an educational & inspirational insight into the world of being a care experienced child in London, UK. I talk in order to provide a unique and frank account of care, while delving into the painful harrowing & somewhat disturbing life experiences I had as a child growing up, to how recovery & growth can be realised when you rely on resilient factors to shape your journey. What's particularlt unique about this talk is the way which it is delivered, I'm certainly no victim, you will recognise the tones of survival strength & courage. This talk is provided as an hour interactive talk..a half-day seminar, one-day workshop or 2-day course (aimed at social worker professionals and those considering fostering or adoption); an excellent framework for potential social workers and social work education, students, those who want to recover from childhood trauma, those considering adoption, health & social care students & professionals, life story work and coaching. I'm not only an inspirational & innovative speaker but a qualified lecturer in psychology, health & social care & PHSE, a foster carer & and NLP practitioner, wellness expert & a Samaritans volunteer.

Delivering training on Trauma-Informed Teenage Brain Development for The Fostering Network to Vromley's amazing carers. ...
14/11/2025

Delivering training on Trauma-Informed Teenage Brain Development for The Fostering Network to Vromley's amazing carers. 🧠

✨ I’m absolutely thrilled (and a little stunned!) to share that I’m finalist in the Women’s Business Club Awards for Ins...
10/11/2025

✨ I’m absolutely thrilled (and a little stunned!) to share that I’m finalist in the Women’s Business Club Awards for Inspirational Woman of the Year! ✨

To say I’m honoured is an understatement. This recognition means so much because it reflects a journey built on resilience, purpose, and the belief that adversity can be transformed into impact. I never imagined I’d be here, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported, encouraged, and believed in me along the way.

If my story has inspired you, I’d be so thankful for your vote—it would mean the world! 💙
👉 https://womensbusiness.club/u/ParisB

Thank you for helping me celebrate this moment and for continuing to champion women who lead with courage and authenticity.

What an incredible evening at the Children’s Care First Awards at the stunning Grand Sapphire in Croydon on Friday!It wa...
05/11/2025

What an incredible evening at the Children’s Care First Awards at the stunning Grand Sapphire in Croydon on Friday!

It was an honour to stand alongside some truly remarkable individuals — Kriss Akabusi (World Champion Athlete), Fredi Nwaka (Film Director), Chelsea Reeves (Content Creator), Warren Ryan (Speaker & Coach), and Fatimah Whitbread (World Champion Athlete) — all of us sharing our stories of hope, resilience, pain, power and purpose.

We came together to recognise, celebrate and congratulate the outstanding dedication and commitment of professionals working in care — especially those in residential homes, management, inspection, and support roles. Their tireless work transforms lives in ways they may never fully see, and they deserve every bit of recognition.

During my keynote, I shared parts of my own story — from appearing on First Dates to speaking about my mother’s prison sentence — two moments that may seem worlds apart, but both remind me how much our early experiences shape us, and how care, compassion and connection can turn even the hardest chapters into hope.

A heartfelt thank you to Nicola Wilkinson and Donna Jones for inviting me to be the keynote speaker at such a prestigious event. It was a privilege to share why we must continue to highlight the incredible work of those supporting our children in care — and to encourage more collaboration and networking to drive the changes needed to improve outcomes for care-experienced children and young people.

We were inspired, entertained, and deeply moved. Every speaker that night had defied the odds to achieve greatness, showing exactly what’s possible when care, commitment, and opportunity come together.

As the number of children entering the care system continues to grow, it’s never been more important to celebrate and support those who dedicate their lives to helping them thrive. 💙

What an incredible evening at the Children’s Care First Awards at the stunning Grand Sapphire in Croydon on Friday!It wa...
31/10/2025

What an incredible evening at the Children’s Care First Awards at the stunning Grand Sapphire in Croydon on Friday!

It was an honour to stand alongside some truly remarkable individuals — Kriss Akabusi (World Champion Athlete), Fredi Nwaka (Film Director), Chelsea Reeves (Content Creator), Warren Ryan (Speaker & Coach), and Fatimah Whitbread (World Champion Athlete) — all of us sharing our stories of hope, resilience, pain, power and purpose.

We came together to recognise, celebrate and congratulate the outstanding dedication and commitment of professionals working in care — especially those in residential homes, management, inspection, and support roles. Their tireless work transforms lives in ways they may never fully see, and they deserve every bit of recognition.

During my keynote, I shared parts of my own story — from appearing on First Dates to speaking about my mother’s prison sentence — two moments that may seem worlds apart, but both remind me how much our early experiences shape us, and how care, compassion and connection can turn even the hardest chapters into hope.

A heartfelt thank you to Nicola Wilkinson and Donna Jones for inviting me to be the keynote speaker at such a prestigious event. It was a privilege to share why we must continue to highlight the incredible work of those supporting our children in care — and to encourage more collaboration and networking to drive the changes needed to improve outcomes for care-experienced children and young people.

We were inspired, entertained, and deeply moved. Every speaker that night had defied the odds to achieve greatness, showing exactly what’s possible when care, commitment, and opportunity come together.

As the number of children entering the care system continues to grow, it’s never been more important to celebrate and support those who dedicate their lives to helping them thrive. 💙


🌟🏅💜🙏

Fatimah Whitbred's UK campaign dinner at the House of Commons
30/10/2025

Fatimah Whitbred's UK campaign dinner at the House of Commons

Yesterday I had the privilege of participating in a human library reading with the Balfour Beatty Enginering and Constru...
30/10/2025

Yesterday I had the privilege of participating in a human library reading with the Balfour Beatty Enginering and Construction team at their Head Offfices in Savoy Place, London.

It was an incredible event with around a 120 attendees, each exploring unique personal stories. I shared my journey as a care, experienced individual opening up about my childhood in care, my healing & my hopes for the future. I was deeply impressed by Balfour Bettie's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
They are truly dedicated to breaking down barriers and reducing judgement within the workplace.

One of the standout moments was when I was asked what they can do to better support care experienced employees. My thoughts include, creating safe spaces for open dialogue, offering flexible work arrangements, implementing mentorship programs and providing trauma informed training, not just for those who identify as care experienced, but for ALL employees.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute. And for the thoughtful questions that help us all grow.

Thank you for having me! 😃

,

Reflecting on “Imitation of Life” — Then and NowWhen I was 22 and at university, my supervisor recommended that I watch ...
28/10/2025

Reflecting on “Imitation of Life” — Then and Now

When I was 22 and at university, my supervisor recommended that I watch Imitation of Life. I still remember how much it struck me at the time. It was unlike anything I had seen before — a film that spoke about identity, colour, class, race, and gender in ways I hadn’t encountered, but that somehow resonated deeply with me.

Last night, I had the chance to watch Imitation of Life again at a screening at the Barbican Centre, followed by an incredible conversation between two amazing speakers. Sitting there, I was reminded of how much this film has to say — not just about society and belonging, but about the complex ways we see ourselves and are seen by others.

It felt like reconnecting with an old mirror — one that reflects how much I’ve grown and how much these questions of identity continue to evolve.

💬 One Year On: “The Power of Language”It’s hard to believe it’s been a whole year since we held our webinar with the Fos...
26/10/2025

💬 One Year On: “The Power of Language”

It’s hard to believe it’s been a whole year since we held our webinar with the Fostering Network, Words Matter Charity, and LikaFamily.

As someone who’s been a creative collaborator & trainer with the Fostering Network for the past three years, this session was especially close to my heart. I spoke about my personal experience of growing up in care, and about the power of language — not just in how we speak, but in how it’s used in our records, our files, and the stories told about us.

Too often, the language used to describe the experiences of children in care does not reflect who they really are. It may be labelling, ignoring the emotions behind behaviour, or not being able to see the child behind the words.

I shared how, during a time when my behaviour was seen as “difficult,” it was actually my way of communicating — because sometimes, when you don’t have the words, actions become their own language.

I’m resharing the webinar today as a way to reignite this conversation — about language, empathy, and truly reflecting the voices of those with lived experience.

🎥https://lnkd.in/ezWvBUxD

✊🏾 Honouring My Inspirations for Black History Month 2025: James Baldwin ✨As I continue my journey as a speaker, trainer...
24/10/2025

✊🏾 Honouring My Inspirations for Black History Month 2025: James Baldwin ✨

As I continue my journey as a speaker, trainer, and foster panel member, I find strength and clarity in the voices of those who have walked paths of truth, courage, and transformation. One such voice is that of **James Baldwin**—a towering figure in literature and civil rights, whose words continue to shape my understanding of justice, identity, and humanity.

Born in Harlem in 1924, Baldwin was not only a gifted novelist and essayist, but also a fearless truth-teller. His work illuminated the psychological and emotional toll of racism, while also exploring themes of sexuality, faith, and belonging. Baldwin’s writing didn’t just reflect the world—it challenged it, urging readers to confront uncomfortable truths and imagine a more compassionate society.

What draws me to Baldwin is his **unflinching honesty** and his ability to speak to the soul of a nation. He didn’t shy away from the pain, but instead used it as a lens to reveal the deeper layers of our shared human experience. His courage to live authentically and speak boldly reminds me that transformation begins with truth.

"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."
— James Baldwin

This quote speaks directly to my work and my calling. Whether I’m training others, speaking truth to power, or supporting young lives through the foster system, Baldwin’s legacy reminds me that facing the hard truths is the first step toward healing and change.

His life and words continue to inspire me to be a voice for justice, a vessel for healing, and a champion for transformation.

I’m so excited (and a little nervous!) to share that I recently joined Paolo and Paul on their brilliant podcast, But We...
17/10/2025

I’m so excited (and a little nervous!) to share that I recently joined Paolo and Paul on their brilliant podcast, But We All Shine On. ✨

In this episode, I open up about my journey — from a childhood marked by trauma and instability to finding healing, purpose, and a voice for change as a psychologist, lecturer, and advocate for care-experienced people.

We talk about the power of storytelling, the influence of the fierce women writers who shaped me, and how education became both my refuge and my path forward. I also share what it was like to read my own care files, to face my mother’s mental illness, and to work through the complex process of forgiveness and understanding.

As Toni Morrison wrote:

> “She is a friend of my mind. She gather me, man. The pieces I am, she gather them and give them back to me in all the right order.”

That quote captures the heart of this conversation — about gathering the pieces, finding meaning, and ultimately shining on.

You can listen or watch the episode now on Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube — just search for But We All Shine On. 🌟

🎧 I’d love for you to give it a listen, and maybe share it with someone who could use a reminder that healing and purpose are always possible.

Today, I had the privilege of speaking at the Ingeus conference — an organisation whose work I deeply admire.For those w...
17/10/2025

Today, I had the privilege of speaking at the Ingeus conference — an organisation whose work I deeply admire.

For those who don’t know, Ingeus is part of the global APM Group and is dedicated to enabling better lives. They work across employment, health & wellbeing, justice, and youth services — helping people overcome barriers, build confidence, and move toward independence and fulfilment. Whether it’s supporting someone back into work, improving health outcomes, or helping individuals rebuild their lives after challenges, Ingeus is making a tangible difference every day.

My talk, “Experience, Strength & Hope,” was about how the lessons from my own journey — the highs, the lows, the decisions (good and bad) — ultimately led me to discover my true purpose. I shared how experience can be our greatest teacher, how strength often grows in our most difficult moments, and how hope can be the bridge between where we are and where we want to be.

It was an honour to share my story with a room full of people who dedicate their careers to helping others do exactly that — find their own path, rediscover purpose, and build better lives.

Thank you to everyone at Ingeus for the incredible work you do and for letting me be part of such an inspiring event.

Address

29 Orange Tree Hill
Havering Atte Bower
RM4

Telephone

+447712105715

Website

http://parisbartholomew.com/

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Our Story

I'm a motivational & inspirational speaker who gives an educational & inspirational insight into the world of being a looked after child in London, UK. The talk provides a unique and frank account while delving into the painful harrowing & somewhat disturbing life experiences I had as a child growing up in the care system - what's unique about this talk is the way which it is delivered, I'm certainly no victim, you will recognise the tones of survival. This talk is provided as a half-day seminar, one-day workshop or 2-day course; an excellent framework for potential social workers and social work education, foster care and adoption, health & social care, life story work and coaching. I'm not only an inspirational & innovative speaker but a qualified lecturer in psychology. Health & social care & PHSE, an adoptive mother and NLP practitioner.