We’re delighted to put the spotlight on one of our incredible employees who recently featured in The Mirror. Paris is a wonderful member of the team and we’re so proud of her!

About Paris 

Before joining Streetlife, Paris worked for the Prison Service as a Prison Officer. Her role involved maintaining safety, security and order, while also supporting rehabilitation programmes. Paris shared the rewarding nature of the role, but also that the travel and long working hours are part of the reason she decided to change careers. 

Within this role, as a Prison Officer, Paris gained many important life skills, including the ability to balance empathy with authority. 

Paris shared how she thrives in a rewarding role where she feels as if she has a true purpose. 

Joining Streetlife 

Paris is a long-standing supporter of Streetlife, having volunteered with us when she was younger. This experience enabled her to see just how important our services really are. 

Paris said that when she saw the role advertised with Streetlife, she “knew it was the right move” for her. By being part of our valued team at Streetlife, Paris can continue to make a real difference to young people aged between 16 and 25 living in Blackpool. 

In the interview, Paris shared additional benefits of working with Streetlife, including it being closer to home and giving her more balance without having to compromise on the feeling of purpose. 

What is Paris’s role at Streetlife? 

At Streetlife, Paris is our Engage 4 Change team leader. She works closely with our young people and hosts the Youth Advisory Group every Friday morning. This group enables our young people to have conversations about what matters to them. It enables them to have a voice and feel genuinely heard.

As a result of these youth advisory sessions, we have won awards, such as Blackpool In Bloom, and it has also helped to inspire future projects, such as cleaning up a nearby alleyway. 

Paris is also responsible for outreach work, supporting our young people to find employment opportunities, training and further education. Paris helps our young people identify work experience and volunteering opportunities with local businesses and organisations. 

Here’s what Paris said about her role. 

“Seeing the young people I work with grow and progress is incredibly rewarding. My goal is to empower young people, help them break negative cycles and encourage them to reach their potential.”

Paris openly shared the challenges associated with the charity sector, for example, a lack of funding and increased uncertainty. She also mentioned St Martin In The Fields, which recently shared the results of their latest survey. 

What does Paris love about working for Streetlife? 

Paris shared some of the most valuable skills that she has gained through working with Streetlife, including teamwork, decision making, communication and confidence. 

We are so proud of Paris for sharing her inspiring story with The Mirror and are so glad to have her as part of our team! You can read the full article here.