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Headspace Speaker Programme – Patrick Foster

Students observed a series of candid and inspiring lectures this morning as we welcomed motivational speaker and author, Patrick Foster, to Barney as part of our Headspace Speaker Programme.

It was a fitting visit, which tied in perfectly with Anti-Bullying Week and its ‘Reach Out’ theme, as Patrick openly discussed his struggles with addiction, mental health and the importance of speaking out.

A former professional cricketer, who enjoyed a lucrative career in the City and latterly as a teacher, Patrick’s life changed forever when he placed his first bet at the age of 19, which, unbeknown to him at the time, was the catalyst for a 13-year gambling addiction.

In 2018, he made the ‘best decision he has ever made’ when Patrick opened up about his troubles to his younger brother, who literally saved his life and prevented a suicide.

He has since overcome his affliction, which is nothing short of admirable, and uses his experiences to inspire others in the hope of preventing similar situations among young people, particularly gaming addiction.

We are grateful to Patrick for sharing his experiences with our students, who left Barnardians with a piece of simple, yet important advice, that ‘a problem shared, is a problem halved’, imploring anyone who is struggling, regardless of the situation, to reach out.