Care Visions Talks
Care Visions Talks
Care Visions Talks is a podcast series that brings together voices from across care, education, health and community support to explore what it really means to care — and to be cared for.
The series includes two strands:
Care Visions Family Talk is hosted by Dr Linda de Caestecker, former Director of Public Health and experienced paediatrician. These warm, accessible conversations are designed for parents, carers and families. Topics include childhood trauma, fostering, resilience, separation and mental health, with expert guests offering practical guidance and compassionate insight.
Care Visions Professional Talk is hosted by Humphrey Hawksley, award-winning author, broadcaster and former BBC foreign correspondent. These in-depth episodes are created for those working in or studying social care, health, education and related fields. Guests include thought leaders, researchers and practitioners discussing the emotional realities, challenges and evolving practices in work with children, young people and families.
Whether you're a parent, a professional, or someone passionate about care and community, Care Visions Talks offers space to listen, reflect and learn.
Care Visions Talks
Care Visions Professional Talk - Reflections on a Life in Child Care
In this thoughtful and reflective conversation, author and broadcaster Humphrey Hawksley spoke with John Whitwellabout his remarkable career in child care and therapeutic practice.
John began his work at the pioneering Cotswold Community, becoming its Principal in 1985. During his time there, he worked alongside influential figures such as Richard Balbernie, Barbara Dockar-Drysdale, and Isabel Menzies Lyth, helping to shape therapeutic residential care for children. He later became Managing Director of the UK’s first independent fostering agency, Integrated Services Programme, where he developed therapeutic approaches within family settings.
A qualified Group Psychotherapist, John has also contributed as a trustee for Gloucester Counselling Service, the Planned Environment Trust, and the Mulberry Bush Organisation.
This episode explored:
- The core principles of therapeutic care
- The role of psychodynamic theory in both residential and foster care
- The healing power of relationships and how to realise their therapeutic potential
- The importance of creating community to support recovery and development
Listeners were also invited to reflect on John's deep experience and personal journey, offering valuable insights into how children’s wellbeing and recovery from trauma can be supported across different care contexts.
Who was this for?
This episode was designed for anyone interested in children’s emotional development and recovery from trauma. It was particularly relevant to professionals working in residential child care, foster care, social work, education, therapy, and counselling.
About our host: Humphrey Hawksley
An acclaimed author, foreign correspondent, and commentator, Humphrey Hawksley has reported from across the globe for the BBC, covering major trends, conflicts, and social issues. His documentaries have examined human rights in global trade, development failures, the nuclear industry, and democracy across cultures. He is also the author of the Future History series and several international thrillers, and has written for major newspapers and lectured at top universities.