Oxfordshire Charity Founder Wins National Woman of the Year Award

An Oxfordshire charity founder has received national recognition for her work supporting children affected by parental imprisonment.

Sarah Burrows, founder of Children Heard and Seen, was announced as the winner of Lorraine's Woman of the Year Trailblazer Award live on ITV on 7 October.

Sarah founded the charity from her kitchen table in Oxfordshire in 2014, having recognised that children with a parent in prison were often overlooked and left without appropriate support.

Today, more than 200,000 children are estimated to experience parental imprisonment each year, yet there is still no comprehensive national system to identify them and ensure they receive support.

Speaking on Lorraine, Sarah said:

“I think children with a parent in prison are one of the most invisible groups in this country.”

Children Heard and Seen provides specialist one-to-one support, volunteer mentoring, peer groups and activities, helping children build confidence, develop trusted relationships and connect with others who share similar experiences.

In Oxfordshire, the charity runs regular family activities at Hill End, alongside creative sessions and other opportunities for children and families to come together.

Sarah's award comes ahead of the National Day of Children with a Parent in Prison on 25 November, established by the charity in 2025. This year's activities include an event in Parliament and the launch of Hear My Voice, a film highlighting children's experiences.

The charity hopes Sarah's recognition will encourage more people, particularly schools and professionals, to recognise children affected by parental imprisonment and help them access support.

Families can contact Children Heard and Seen directly about groups and activities. Specialist one-to-one support requires a professional referral and is a paid service.

For more information, visit www.childrenheardandseen.co.uk or email info@childrenheardandseen.co.uk.