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WDH Sandwell (Wider Determinants of Health Sandwell) was developed in response to the significant health inequalities across the borough, where many residents face disadvantage and barriers to accessing support. In early 2024, Black Country Healthcare Foundation Trust, Communities in Sync (CIS), and a network of Sandwell-based voluntary and community organisations came together to deliver a service that looked beyond clinical care, focusing on the wider social, environmental and economic factors that shape health and wellbeing. The aim was to provide earlier, more holistic support that could make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.
Over 18 months, the project worked alongside more than 3,000 residents, offering personalised support to help people manage day-to-day challenges, improve their wellbeing, and build greater stability. This included practical advice around finance, welfare and employment, alongside a wide range of wellbeing activities that helped reduce isolation and strengthen community connections. Dedicated support ensured the service was accessible to those facing additional barriers, including migrants, refugees, women, older adults, and people experiencing housing instability, with targeted provision such as ESOL, digital inclusion and outreach support.
Impact and Feedback
- 3,033 residents supported
- 4,231 interventions delivered and over 35,000 contacts
- 2,256 onward referrals to wider support services
- 97% reported a positive difference
- 87% said their situation improved
- 84% experienced improved mental wellbeing
- 100% satisfaction rate, with 99% recommending the service
Delivered through a strong partnership model, WDH Sandwell enabled organisations to work together to provide joined-up, responsive support, ensuring residents could access the right help at the right time. Feedback from residents highlights the difference this approach made, while also demonstrating the wider value of community-led, preventative services in reducing pressure on statutory systems and strengthening local resilience for the future.
This project was delivered by the following organisations:
For more information about the WDH Sandwell project please email:
This project is delivered with thanks to funding from:
Related Case Studies
Putting ESOL learning into practice
I'm from Bangladesh. I studied English in my own country, but it was very different from here, so my confidence dropped, and I got extremely nervous.
Supporting mom with an under 1
Samerina had a 6-month-old baby who wasn’t sleeping. She was suffering with some mental health issues and was socially isolated and struggled to leave the house.
Living after loss and looking forward
Losing my wife, of 65 years, done me in. I felt very low, and struggled with depression and knew that I needed to be around people. I’d stopped going out, even to get my shopping.
Forging friendships through fitness
When we first met, I was unhealthy physically and nutritionally. I was experiencing low self-esteem and felt isolated. My mood was low, and I felt lethargic and unhealthy.
Support for lone-parent experiencing abuse
I’ve recently become a single parent and have been feeling stressed and under pressure being a lone-parent. It took courage to disclose my history of being a victim of domestic violence.
Coping with the loss of a loved one
Following devastating news of my partner’s death, I think I was at the brink of a complete mental breakdown. I didn’t know where to turn for help; I didn’t know what to tell my kids; how to cope with everything myself.
Battling cancer and domestic abuse
I am a single parent who is undergoing treatment for cancer. After my diagnosis, I began facing domestic abuse which led to them leaving the family home.
Help with housing and health
I was in a tough spot. I’m living in a hotel, feeling really down and having health problems. My child has special needs, ADHD, and a learning disability.
Boosting motivation to improve mental health
I was doubting myself as I found myself lacking motivation to do my daily routine that I had been doing for years. Even tasks I had been doing my whole life like cooking.
Skills support helping to fight depression
I found myself struggling to express my emotions while on maternity leave and I knew I needed to reach out for support to better my skills – I was experiencing depression and anxiety and I refused to let this control my life.
Financial struggles during cancer treatment
I am a carer for my wife and was also working when I was diagnosed with cancer. Due to my diagnosis and necessary treatment I had to stop working. As a result my financial situation worsened significantly just in a few days.
Changing unhealthy drinking habits
I have mild learning difficulties and issues with my leg following an accident 20+ years ago. I was drinking every single day. I really wanted to cut down and even consider stopping for good. I don't want to be someone who is defined by my disabilities and difficulties.
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