From Resilience To Inspiration

Joanne Lockwood speaks with Paris Bartholomew, a speaker, writer, lecturer and trainer, about growing up in the British care system and the long path from instability and trauma to building a life rooted in empathy and purpose.

Paris recounts entering care at six after severe abuse, navigating frequent placement moves, and the impact this had on trust, identity, and relationships. They reflect on the added complexity of being a Black child placed in white environments, where cultural needs and protection from racism were not well understood, and how role models and community links later supported identity formation.

The conversation follows Paris’s transition into independence and education, including using lived experience as evidence of capability when accessing opportunities. Paris also shares their work supporting others through fostering-related training and voluntary roles, including listening support with Samaritans during the COVID period. They describe self-care practices, a PTSD diagnosis, and therapies including EMDR as part of maintaining wellbeing.

They close by discussing the gap between “tick-box” diversity efforts and meaningful inclusion at work, including the importance of safe spaces for learning, trauma-informed practice, and storytelling as a route to connection and culture change. Joanne also highlights Paris’s forthcoming book, which aims to show that adverse childhood experiences can be a backdrop rather than a life sentence.