The Yemeni Community Association (YCA) is a small community based organisation that seeks to represent and meet the particular needs of the Yemeni Community in Sandwell. It does this by providing services over and above those available in the mainstream sector, and also by acting as an interface between the community and various service providers. It was registered as an official charity in 1997.

There are more than 250 Yemeni families within the Borough of Sandwell, most of whom are members of YCA. The profile of Yemeni families in the area tends to be one of low employment and a low skills base. These disadvantages are compounded by cultural and language issues, which often makes it difficult for the Yemeni community to access mainstream services and organisations.

Other issues of concern within the community include the generally poor health of many individuals; high poverty levels; and an increasingly disaffected youth.

In a direct response to this state of affairs, members of the Yemeni Community in Sandwell got together and decided to organise their efforts and activities towards the common objective of bringing the community closer together in mutual support of one another.

After a great deal of formal and informal consultation, it was decided to form the Yemeni Community Association (YCA) as a vehicle that would articulate and manage these newly expressed aspirations and ambitions. Since its inception, the YCA has tackled numerous community issues through partnerships and co-operation with other statutory and voluntary organisations; i.e., the ‘Health Action Zone’ (HAZ); Social inclusion and Health, the Education and Community Services Dept (SMBC); Youth Forum; RES; SCVO; and New Deal for Communities.