This article details the experience of community social work carried out in a neighbourhood in Barcelona which was gradually disappearing due to its unstable living conditions. Firstly, a description of the neighbourhood is provided, followed by an account of the historical context and the emergence of the group for promoting social work within the community. The article delves into the complex process giving rise to the disappearance of the neighbourhood and the role played by “the social worker” in it. Additionally, the articles sets out and analyses the findings of the study conducted to obtain an overview that would simplify talks with families to get them to leave the neighbourhood and move to housing in dignified living conditions.

The article concludes by reflecting on the achievements stemming from community work over more than four years, which drove a genuine process of change and contributed to the emergence of a feeling of community identity. Furthermore, the article underlines the role of the social worker as a catalyst for mobilisation thanks to the implementation of nine intervention techniques, all of which promote community participation and the desired changes.