In the next in our series from Public Health Wales on ‘Better health and wellbeing in Wales’, Dr Ashra Khanom takes a deep dive into how good data impacts community health.
Across the world, charities and community organisations are discovering the power of large scale population health data. It helps us understand people’s health, wellbeing and the conditions shaping their lives.
For voluntary organisations in Wales, this data isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s a tool that can help design better services, reach those most in need, and make a strong case for funding.
Population health data includes information on rates of long-term conditions such as diabetes or asthma, mental wellbeing, housing quality or access to green space, and who is and isn’t using services. The key isn’t just having data, it’s using it to improve people’s lives.
INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL
International examples show the value of data. In Finland, voluntary sector organisations play a crucial role in connecting people to community services, reducing isolation, and supporting those who might not access public services easily. This mirrors the work of many Welsh charities delivering peer support, cultural wellbeing projects or befriending schemes.
Wales also benefits from national evidence collected through the National Survey for Wales. Each year, around 12,000 adults share information about their health, lifestyles, wellbeing and experiences of public services. This helps us understand inequalities, identify vulnerable groups and shape policies and services.
Another key Welsh resource is the Born in Wales cohort. Born in Wales collects data on all children born in Wales since 2011. It currently contains anonymised data on more than 400,000 children, with new births added every year, and links maternity, neonatal, education, and social care records.
Evidence from Born in Wales has shown that maternal obesity is associated with higher risks during pregnancy and birth, including increased likelihood of medical intervention. These insights have informed earlier, supportive conversations about healthy weight in pregnancy, alongside clearer guidance and referral to community‑based wellbeing support, the kind of preventative action that voluntary and community organisations are well placed to deliver.
This is a powerful tool for understanding child development, early-life inequalities and long-term wellbeing.
LINKED DATA
Anonymised linked health and care data has also been used effectively during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Linked datasets were used to identify population groups with depression who were isolated and connect them with social activities, online groups, or social prescribing teams. This shows how population data can be used to tailor interventions in a way that truly meets people’s needs.
Data has also been used to tackle complex overlapping inequalities experienced by racial, ethnic, gender identity and language minority groups.
Using health data made it possible to target support, improve access, and reduce disparities. For Welsh voluntary organisations working with people experiencing multiple disadvantages, this kind of insight is invaluable.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR WALES?
First, population health data provides strong evidence for funding applications. It allows organisations to clearly show the scale of the issue they are addressing, who is most affected, and how their work fills gaps in statutory provision.
Secondly, it helps shape services around real need. Data can highlight trends such as rising hospital admissions, high levels of loneliness in a particular area, or groups missing out on preventative services.
Population health data also strengthens relationships between voluntary and statutory partners. Local authorities, health boards and Public Health Wales increasingly use data to guide planning and investment decisions. When voluntary organisations do the same, it aligns language, improves collaboration and makes it easier to influence policy.
HOW CAN ORGANISATIONS GET STARTED?
Begin with publicly available data sources such as the Public Health Wales Observatory, Office for National Statistics, StatsWales, Baromedr Cymru, the Voluntary Sector Data Hub and local Wellbeing Assessments. These offer accessible, reliable insights into national and local needs.
Build relationships with analysts and academics. Many regional partnership boards, universities and Public Health Wales (PHW) teams have expertise that can support interpretation and application of data.
Finally, make data visual. Tools that create maps, charts or dashboards can help teams, trustees and funders quickly understand the evidence and use it to guide action.
Population health data doesn’t need to be intimidating. Across the world, voluntary organisations are showing that when data is used ethically, creatively and collaboratively, it helps build fairer, healthier communities.
In Wales, the voluntary sector plays such an essential role in prevention, wellbeing and community resilience, and using data well means more effective support for the people who need it most.
GET IN TOUCH
Please take this short survey and tell us about any training or support needs you or your organisation has in relation to the subjects raised by this blog.
Dr Ashra Khanom works in the PHW Research and Evaluation Division.
Find out more about WCVA’s work in health and care.