WDH Sandwell

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:

commsinsync@gmail.com

Download our list of services in a PDF document

Download our data privacy statement here

This project is delivered with thanks to funding from:

Related Case Studies

Boosting motivation to improve mental health

WDH Sandwell

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.

Changing unhealthy drinking habits

WDH Sandwell

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.

Help with housing and health

WDH Sandwell

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.

Coping with the loss of a loved one

WDH Sandwell

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.

Tackling anxiety and alcohol concerns

WDH Sandwell

I was in a dark place. I felt alone and like I barely had anyone to talk to. I generally feel okay a lot of the time, but when I get really down and lonely, I start to drink.

Lifestyle changes improving health and wellness

WDH Sandwell

Since leaving work, I had put on four stone, yet I generally considered my health and fitness okay, although I did have a pacemaker following heart complications as well as osteoarthritis.

New friends for mom with sight loss

WDH Sandwell

I have no vision at all, so I was very isolated and I was feeling low and down. I’m a single mom with 6 children, so doing something for myself was important to me.

Hands-on activities boost confidence

WDH Sandwell

It was really quiet having left college and not going to school, I felt like I didn’t have anywhere to be. I helped my mom, but I wanted to do my own thing too.

Community centre supporting relocated family

WDH Sandwell

I am 45 years old, a single mother of three beautiful children. Life has not been easy for us, especially with my limited English skills. I remember the first few months in this new country. My children were trying to adjust to their new schools while I juggled multiple cleaning jobs to make ends meet.

Getting active to boost wellbeing

WDH Sandwell

I joined the WDH Sandwell service to socialise, be active, make new friends, and gain more independence. Break thru has helped me to become more active without having to go to the Gym, and I have learnt fitness techniques I can do at home.