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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
Community centre supporting relocated family
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.
A new home for a friendship group
When I first came here it was with all my friends from another centre that shut down. We used to hang out, talk and watch telly, and it was a safe space for us.
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.
Help with ill-health and time off work
I’ve suffered with anaemia for 20 years, but in April 2022, I was taken off my iron supplements by my GP as recent blood tests had come back with more positive results. When I came off the supplements, things began to change.
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.
Hands-on activities boost confidence
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From volunteering into paid employment
I have always been a person who thrives off helping others and being able to share my own skills with others. Through WDH Sandwell, I have been receiving support from the Kuumba team in developing my job ready skills and I now have a job!
Lifestyle changes improving health and wellness
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.
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