Communities of Practice

The Communities of Practice (CoPs) bring together people who work with adults in the community. They are a way for staff and volunteers from the community and voluntary sector, social services, primary care, housing associations and more to come together, discuss, learn, and collaborate.

Our members are people with hands-on experience in providing support, care and advice to adults in the community. They include social prescribers, community connectors and wellbeing workers, social workers, community nurses, occupational therapists, advice workers, council staff, and staff and volunteers from a wide range of local charities and community organisations, including mental and physical health charities, housing associations, community fridges and larders, advice centres, groups working with older people and with people with learning disabilities, and more. 

A community of practice is a group of people who share a common interest, topic, concern or set of issues, who come together to fulfil both individual and group goals. 

What happens at the CoPs?

We meet every other month, usually on Teams but with the occasional face-to-face sessions, though there is no obligation to attend every meeting. Our group meetings usually take place in January, March, May, July, September and November. We’re also planning to offer some sessions which are open to everyone in February, April, June and October.

Each session is themed, with a speaker or training element. We also make time to talk, make connections, raise issues and share successes. 

The CoPs are facilitated by OCVA, as an independent body not involved in service delivery. Our role is to ensure that everyone has an equal voice and to nurture collaboration, growth and learning.

Our strategic, county-wide steering group includes representatives from Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford Health, Age UK Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers, Active Oxfordshire, Citizens Advice, and other relevant bodies.

Which is my local group?

• Abingdon, Wantage and the Vale
• Banbury and Cherwell north
• Bicester, Kidlington and south Cherwell
• Didcot and South Oxfordshire
• Oxford city
• Witney and West Oxfordshire

Of course, we know that people live, work and volunteer across districts and areas, so feel free to join whichever group – or groups – makes most sense to you.