Paul Barrass

Paul Stuart Barrass, Friendcraft Co-Founder and Director, was born in England in 1959. He was raised in the Derbyshire town of Belper. He was educated locally and after university trained as an occupational therapist. He has over a long career worked in many clinical settings, but has specialized in developing the potential in patients, carers and families who are coping very difficult situations. He is currently the senior practitioner in his field locally. A speaker at national level in the field of elderly care, he has been the driving force behind many therapeutic initiatives that have benefited thousands of people.

Outside working life, Paul has pursued many hobbies and interests and has achieved senior officer positions in most of them. He has wide experience in managing, recruiting and motivating volunteers and has given thousands of hours of his time to benefit the local community.

During his life Paul has come to know the value of true friends from all around the world. He has also watched with concern as the loneliness, sense of isolation, and undertones of fear and distrust creep onward through our modern society. His desire to found this inclusive, welcoming yet fraternally based organization sprung from a desire to promote hope and happiness through friendship around the world.

A keen gardener Paul loves watching his plants grow and bring forth good fruit. He puts the same commitment into helping all the members of the Order to grow in friendship and confidence as they learn, laugh and live their membership.

Paul has recently published his book Amazing Friendships, which is the first in a series that will bring the concepts of Friendcraft to a wider audience. He lives with his wife Shirley in Derbyshire, England, where they share their home with their little Jack Russell Terrier dog, Penny.