Camila Batmanghelidjh CBE was a qualified Psychotherapist with 30 years experience of working with troubled children and young people. Some nineteen academic institutions have recognised her contribution to children’s welfare by awarding her with honorary doctorates and fellowships.
She founded two children’s charities- Place2Be which offers counselling to children in schools, and Kids Company which was supporting some 36,000 children and families with emotional, educational, aspirational and practical support.
Sadly, Kids Company was forced to suddenly close in 2015 after two decades of therapeutic work in the inner cities. The charity’s closure was as a result of false sexual abuse allegations taken to the media. Following a rigorous investigation, the police concluded that they found no fault with Kids Company’s safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. They also stated that no crime had been committed.
Camila dedicated her life to speaking up for, supporting, and representing the needs of children who have experienced complex trauma and deprivation. She remained motivated and inspired by their courage throughout her lifetime.
Camila published two books Shattered Lives and Mind the Child. She contributed to numerous academic publications and provided training for a range of clinical and social work agencies.
She loved the arts, fashion, and academic papers, as well as felt tips! Her favourite place to be was in a swimming pool. She described herself as being a terrible cook, and did not learnt driving out of mercy for the driving instructor! For years she tried to master the art of using a chopstick but failed abysmally! There are two things she said were essential for a happy life: spirituality, and a good lipstick!
