Liverpool Philharmonic announces new partnership with The Walton Centre

Liverpool Philharmonic and The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust have launched a new partnership supported by The Walton Centre Charity and the Foyle Foundation. 

The organisations will work together using music to improve the health and wellbeing of patients with neurological and neurosurgical conditions, their families and carers, as well as staff at The Walton Centre. The partnership will deliver music-making activities across The Walton Centre, including participatory sessions on wards and performances in staff areas.

This becomes the fourth NHS Trust in Liverpool Philharmonic’s Music and Health programme. They join original partners, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust and Improving Me, a consortium of 27 NHS organisations across Cheshire and Merseyside supporting women’s health and maternity services.

Liverpool Philharmonic’s Music and Health programme uses a person-centred approach to music to benefit wellbeing, build connections and boost confidence. It has been running since 2008 and will celebrate its 15^th Anniversary in October 2023. Since the programme began, it has worked with over 17,000 people using music to support wellbeing, mood and build confidence. The work is delivered by a team of 10 highly experienced musicians, and over 25 visiting musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.  

Peter Garden, Executive Director – Performance and Learning at Liverpool Philharmonic, said:

“It is fantastic that NHS Trusts in the region are increasingly recognising the positive impact music and professional musicians can have on people’s health and wellbeing, and enhancing health services. We welcome The Walton Centre to our Music and Health programme and are grateful for their commitment to this new partnership.”

Jan Ross, Chief Executive at The Walton Centre said:

‘I am delighted that we have been able to support this partnership with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. The lift that the music performances will be able to give to our patients and staff will be of immense benefit to both their physical and mental wellbeing. I am really looking forward to hearing them around the hospital.”

Find out more about Liverpool Philharmonic Hall here or The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust here.