THE new team leader for a Barton community group has moved to the estate from Burford to start her dream job.

Erica Payne, 28, said she could not wait to join Thrive Barton, a community-based charity that aims to improve the lives of young people.

Thrive is an initiative of Innovista, a Christian charity linking up with Headington Baptist Church and provides a service for young people and families in the community.

Like many of her colleagues, Mrs Payne has decided to move to the estate, and she has been joined by husband Sam, 28, and 10-month-old Isabel.

She said: “My passion for this work comes from my love of people. I want the young people to know they are loved, valued and accepted for who they are and have the tools to reach their potential.

“We are really excited and when we went to visit Barton in February we really loved it – it’s a unique place. It’s the type of job we have been dreaming about with a community like Barton.”

The family will settle in before Mrs Payne takes up her role next month. (June) Originally from America, Mrs Payne moved to Oxford when she was 12 and stayed on after her father finished his studies.

The 28-year-old has always had a passion for working with young people and studied at Oxford Brookes University after going to school in Cowley.

Before moving to Barton, Mrs Payne worked for eight years at St John the Baptist Church in Burford.

She added: “I now have a little girl and, after seeing a group of young people come through where I was working, I thought it was a good time for a new challenge.

“My husband is also a youth worker and we have both always wanted to move to an area with opportunities for Christian youth workers where we can use our faith to help make changes in the community.

“There are lots of young couples who have investing in the area and there are lots of facilities and green spaces.

“It’s a big challenge and I will be getting to know the community and the young people to understand their needs and what they enjoy doing.”

Mrs Payne’s role as team leader will involve looking after the mentoring programme, liaising with the student mentors and examining the long-term vision of the charity.

Thrive director Sarah Anthony said: “We’re delighted that Erica will be joining Thrive to head up the team here in Barton.

“She’ll be taking a lead on our existing activities, like mentoring and running holiday activities, but we’re also excited to see what new ideas she has to support young people. Watch this space.”