Oxford Community Work Agency (OCWA) Formerly known as the Barton Project

Training Courses for 2009 - 2010 now available for booking.

Because of the many changes that have taken place in the work of the Project over the years OCWA is known by various titles including its operational units.

The Barton Project was established in 1974 on the initiative of Oxford University Department of Social and Administrative Studies (Barnett House). It is situated on the Barton Estate, one of Oxford's peripheral housing estates. The Project has been housed in various buildings on the estate until 1992 when it moved into the purpose built multi-user Barton Neighbourhood Centre which also houses: Barton Community Association, council housing office, GP surgery, youth club, playgroup and sports hall.

Originally, the Project worked to provide direct community work on the estate and elsewhere in the City and to provide community work placements for students on social work courses. The provision and supervision of student placements became formally established through the Practice Learning Centre.

Within a few years the project had identified a need for specialist advice and representation on social security benefits. Funding was obtained from Oxfordshire County Council to develop a second tier countywide welfare rights service known as Oxfordshire Welfare Rights (OWR). Local people increasing sought help from OWR with general benefit and other issues. With funding from Oxford City Council Barton Advice Centre (BAC) was, therefore, set up to meet the advice needs of the local community.

With the move into the current building BAC was promoted as the 'front line' advice centre serving the local community. Over the past decade the number of BAC clients who live elsewhere in the City (and beyond) has increased significantly. The specialist 'second tier' service of OWR became clearly differentiated. OWR provides training and telephone consultancy for other organisations and casework and tribunal representation for individuals by referral.

In 1998, OCWA applied to the Legal Aid Board, now called the Legal Service Commission (LSC), for a franchise to provide welfare benefits advice. OCWA was awarded a contract under the second pilot scheme and received full franchise status in April 1999. We hold a quality specialist mark in debt and welfare benefit.

The focus of OCWA is now the provision of advice in social welfare law, and debt advice, welfare benefit and debt advisor training and consultancy provided through BAC and OWR. The funding for BAC and OWR is in partnership with Oxford City Council & Oxfordshire County Council, LSC contracts and Hants CABX contract.

Oxford Community Work Agency Ltd.
A company limited by Guarantee and Registered in England and Wales. Reg. No. 1785651. Charity No. 1049343.

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