Tracy Hinton and Sarah Black, from the Henley area, are sharing their experiences of therapeutic fostering as part of Oxfordshire County Council’s campaign during Foster Care Fortnight to inspire others to become carers.

Therapeutic foster care supports children who need extra care and stability due to early-life challenges.

Ms Hinton and Ms Black both began as mainstream foster carers before moving into specialist therapeutic roles.

Ms Hinton, who also works with neurodiverse children, said: “I love both the challenge and emotional reward, playing an important part in developing these young people’s self-esteem, belief and understanding in overcoming and managing their emotions.”

Ms Black, a former mental health nurse manager, said: “The therapeutic approach was particularly meaningful to me because it prioritises understanding the root causes of a child’s behaviour and providing appropriate care and responses.

“The support received from the wider Oxfordshire County Council team is invaluable and I really enjoy this work.

“Seeing its positive effects motivates me to continue helping young people overcome difficult early experiences in this way.”

Both carers receive training and support from Oxfordshire County Council’s therapeutic fostering team, helping them develop a deeper understanding of the psychology behind children’s behaviour and how to respond with empathy and confidence.

Ms Hinton described the impact of their work with a young person who had struggled emotionally and lacked confidence following multiple disrupted experiences in their early upbringing.

She said: “Through the regular and consistent care we gave, with a strong therapeutic approach, gradually we connected with the child.

“Trust was built, slowly they came out of their shell, a personality started to shine through, and they were in a better place emotionally to enjoy life and make the most of their future.

“It was quite a slow process, which is understandable, but patience brings its rewards, and that’s what we both love about fostering and why by sharing our story we hope more people in Oxfordshire will consider giving it a go.”

Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for children, education and young people’s services, praised the carers.

He said: “Tracy and Sarah are role models, along with our other 146 approved fostering families.

“Through care and dedication, they make a big difference to the lives of children who, for various reasons, need to be cared for outside of their own family.

“I admire and congratulate each and every one of our dedicated foster carers.”

Foster carers with Oxfordshire County Council receive training, ongoing support, and generous fees in addition to the child’s allowance.

The team from Duval Inns will walk in aid of Cancer Research UK on Saturday, May 16, starting at The Great Western Arms in Aynho, passing The Highwayman Hotel in Kidlington, and finishing at The Bell at Hampton Poyle.

Expected to take around six hours, the route covers a mix of canal towpaths and public footpaths.

Mark Duval, operations director at Duval Inns, said: “Cancer Research is close to my heart.

“But the sad reality is that my family is just a tiny number of the people affected.

“Many people within our company have been impacted one way or the other, and we want to help make a difference.”

Mr Duval is taking part in memory of his grandmother, Carol Saunders, and celebrating his father Nick’s successful recovery.

The team hopes to raise at least £500 and is encouraging the public to support their efforts through their GoFundMe page, Duval Inns GoFundMe Page.

The walkers include Lauren and Ashley Walton, Nicole Barclay, William Tattersall, Dani Coles, Barney Neal, Jenny Crowie, Alexandra Dumitrache, Harry Leigh, Izzy Millet-Clay, Grace Grossman, Miranda Chaplin, Shirley Chick, and Chris Allen.

Staff who are working on the day will join the walk for parts of the route where possible.

This charity challenge kicks off a wider programme of fundraising events planned by Duval Inns, including their annual summer music event on August 1.

Their GoFundMe page can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/may-charity-walk

Matt Francis will formally succeed outgoing CEO Steve Burgess on September 25, with a short transition period beginning September 1.

John Boyle, chair of trustees at The Oxford Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome Matt Francis as the next CEO of The Oxford Trust.

“We are confident that Matt brings the vision, sector experience and passion needed to build on the Trust’s 40-year legacy.

“Steve will continue to lead the organisation until 25th September, and we look forward to working with both Steve and Matt during this transition as we prepare to enter into a new exciting period further expanding its mission and impact.”

Mr Francis joins the trust from Oxford Innovation Space, where he was head of science and technology, leading business development across its portfolio.

He is no stranger to the organisation, having previously spent nearly a decade with The Oxford Trust in various senior roles.

During that time, he was instrumental in delivering the £13 million Wood Centre for Innovation and Science Oxford Centre, which opened in March 2019.

He also oversaw operations and supported the growth of early-stage life science and technology companies.

Mr Francis said: “The Oxford Trust has always sat at a distinctive intersection: education and engagement programmes that fire the imaginations of young scientists, alongside innovation centres that help those scientists become the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

“Having spent recent years working across the UK’s science and technology innovation landscape, I return more convinced than ever that its role, independent, mission-driven, and with 40 years of trust built up in this community, has never mattered more.

“With the Aspen Building opening this summer and Oxford’s growing prominence on the national innovation stage, the timing feels significant.

“I look forward to working with the Trust’s brilliant team, trustees and partners to honour the vision of Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood and together play our part in what comes next.”

Mr Burgess departs after 13 years at the helm.

During his tenure, he led the purchase and development of the trust’s 18-acre site in Headington, now home to the Linden Building, the soon-to-open Aspen Building, and the Science Oxford Centre.

The board of trustees has planned an official celebration in September to mark Mr Burgess’ contributions, retirement, and the formal handover to Mr Francis.

The trust also operates the Oxford Centre for Innovation at Blue Boar Court in Oxford’s city centre.