people supported through advice casework and tribunal representation
In debt addressed, with £9.2M written off or successfully negotiated
In additional income secured for 1,005 people through benefit claims
People provided with clear, practical telephone advice
Advisers trained across 70 courses in social security law
Debt & Money Advice
Money management, budgeting tools, and free debt advice services
Find out more
Welfare Benefits
Guidance on benefits claims, eligibility checks, and mental health support
Find out more
Employment
Employment rights, ACAS services, and support for working families
Find out more
Housing
Housing rights, homelessness support, and social housing information
Find out more
Domestic Abuse
24/7 helpline, legal rights support, and victim assistance services
Find out more
Immigration
UK visa services, asylum support, and immigration legal help
Find out more
Family
Family mediation, relationship counselling, and parental support
Find out more
Consumer Rights
Consumer rights, complaint procedures, and legal protection advice
Find out more
Local Services
Community-based advice centres and local support organisations in Oxfordshire
Find out more
We can help you find the right support by signposting you to trusted services that offer advice on money, benefits, housing, employment, family issues, immigration, consumer rights and domestic abuse.
Direct support for residents living within Oxford City.
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
01865 744165
Oxfordshire Advice Service provides support for the wider county.
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
01865 410660
(Agencies Only)
Dedicated consultancy line for Oxfordshire Welfare Rights partners.
Opening Hours
Tue, Wed, Thu
10am - 1pm
consultancy@ocwa.org.uk
In 2025/26, with the support of our incredible funders, we secured:
in financial gains for Oxfordshire residents across Welfare Benefits, Debt and charity applications
Working age clients
Identified as having a disability
were women
Lone Parents
From ethnic minority backgrounds
This collaborative initiative, funded by Oxfordshire County Council, brings together a variety of agencies, including Age UK Oxfordshire, Citizens Advice Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire Welfare Rights, Rose Hill & Donnington Advice Centre, The Agnes Smith Advice Centre and Barton Advice Centre.
Our Focus
• Expert advice to both individuals and professionals
• Maximising income for the most vulnerable
• Ensuring financial stability and promoting independence
• Breaking the cycle of financial hardship and its adverse effects on mental and physical health
Our partnership ensures that staff of Pentreath are provided with support in regard to income for their clients from Welfare Benefits.
Services we provide
• Checking eligibility and ensuring uptake of appropriate benefits to maximise income for both the client and any family members in the household, particularly relating to Better Off in Work Calculations
• Advice and support on how to challenge adverse decisions including Tribunal representation when required
• Preparing and delivering training particularly targeted for IPS Teams across Cornwall, Devon, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire
If you would like to know more about our work or are interested in working in partnership with us
Contact Sarah Darby:
01865 744165
|
sdarby@ocwa.org.uk
Sarah Darby
CEO
After relocating to Bicester with my family in 2001, I began volunteering with Bicester Citizens Advice. Over the following five years, I undertook both voluntary and paid positions, gaining valuable ...
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Sophie
Head of Welfare Benefits
After completing training with Citizens Advice, I began my career with Oxfordshire Welfare Rights in 2008 as a volunteer. Through dedication and experience, I progressed through the organisation and was ...
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Gary
Head of Debt
With over 20 years of experience in money advice, I have developed extensive expertise in helping individuals overcome financial difficulties and achieve greater financial stability. As a fully accredited member ...
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Kim
Debt Caseworker
I began my career in advice services as a volunteer with Citizens Advice in Northampton, where I dedicated 15 years to supporting clients in a variety of roles, including Adviser, ...
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Claire
Welfare Benefits Caseworker
After graduating with a Law degree in 2014, I began my career in the advice sector as a volunteer adviser with Thame Citizens Advice. I subsequently progressed into casework roles ...
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Rosie
Welfare Benefits Caseworker/Adviser
I joined OCWA/Barton Advice Centre in 2022, having first experienced the service as a client in 2012 when I sought specialist advice and support. The positive impact of that experience, ...
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Carl
Volunteer Adviser
After a distinguished 37-year career with the NHS, I retired in 2017 from my role as Deputy Director of Workforce. Throughout my career, I developed extensive experience in leadership, people ...
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