13 November 2025
This activity is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.
What's this project all about?
In Wakefield District, three voluntary community organisations joined forces to bring health and wellbeing support closer to home.
Together, they offered free healthy lifestyle screenings and awareness activities at Havercroft and Ryhill Community Learning Centre, St Mary’s Community Centre 
and Red Roof Community Centre.
“We wanted to make it easier for people to learn about their health and take action early,” says Laura Dixon, Health Care Manager-Wakefield Public Health. “By offering wellness checks in trusted community spaces, we can make prevention and support more impactful and accessible.”
The goal was simple - help people spot issues early and feel confident getting support for conditions like heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cancer.
Impact on individuals
Two stories capture the power of this approach.
Jeff (not real name) who initially visited a community centre for debt advice was offered a wellness check. Because of the trusting relationship already built with his adviser, he felt comfortable opening up about his overall health - something he might not have done in a traditional clinical setting.
During the check, he shared concerns about alcohol dependency and asked for help. Thanks to the adviser’s recent ‘making every contact count’ training, they were able to offer practical advice and refer Jeff to a local alcohol support service.
“Sometimes the most meaningful health conversations happen when people feel relaxed and supported,” says Laura. “Our advisers know their communities - and that trust opens the door to real change.”
That moment became a turning point – not only for Jeff’s health but also for his future. With the right support, Jeff began addressing their alcohol use and preparing to return to work.
Jean’s (not real name) story is another powerful example of how community-based wellness checks can identify serious health issues before symptoms appear. During a routine screening with Community Wellness Champion Lisa Rooke at St Mary’s, Jean felt well and had no concerns about her health. However, her blood pressure reading was unexpectedly high. Lisa calmly advised her to seek a follow-up check that same day and Jean acted immediately.
After further monitoring at her local pharmacy, Jean’s blood pressure was found to be dangerously high, with a systolic reading over 200. Thanks to the swift action of the pharmacist and her GP, she received urgent medical attention and was prescribed medication for both high blood pressure and high cholesterol - significantly reducing her risk of a heart attack or stroke. Jean later said she was extremely grateful for the check, recognising that without it she would never have known she was at immediate risk. Her experience highlights the life-saving impact of taking preventative health support directly into community settings, helping people stay well, independent, and active in their communities.
What people are saying
The sessions show how community-based wellness checks can break down barriers to health support. Friendly, non-judgemental advice helps people take control of their wellbeing and rebuild confidence.
“Better health can open up opportunities for better work and long-term wellbeing,” says Laura. “We’re seeing how the right support, offered in the right place, can transform lives.”
What’s next?
The project team is now looking at how to strengthen referral links and overcome barriers like clinic locations and limited outreach. By connecting health, wellbeing and employment services more closely, we hope to ensure no one misses out on the help they need.
“Our next step is to build stronger links between local services so people can get the right support at the right time,” says Laura. “Community-based wellness checks are proving that trusted advisers can uncover hidden health needs and connect people with the right support - improving not only health, but also confidence, employability and long-term quality of life."
This project is part of Healthy Working Life - reducing the number of people in West Yorkshire who may become unable to work because of ill health. Find out more on our Healthy Working Life website pages. You can also read the empowering health and wellbeing through community-based wellness checks case study as a pdf.