Researchers from the University of Liverpool have published a report in conjunction with the Liverpool Philharmonic which shows that the Philharmonic’s Music and Health Programme has had a positive impact on wellbeing across the Liverpool City Region.
The report, published to mark the 15th anniversary of the Programme, demonstrates that participation has enhanced mood and self-esteem for 18,000 people living with mental and physical ill health, helping them to develop skills and rebuild confidence.
Liverpool Philharmonic’s Music and Health programme began in partnership with Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust in 2008. Initially, the programme was a pilot working across two Mental Health wards but has now grown to work with the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Foundation Trust, Improving Me and the Walton Centre.
The Philharmonic work in community settings and have a growing social prescribing programme, welcoming referrals from GPs, Link Workers and mental health charities.
Music and Health also provide participants and NHS professionals access to free musical activities, concerts and rehearsal visits to hear the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.
The report, drawn from 2022/23 studies by the University of Liverpool’s Professor Josie Billington, Dr Jaqueline Waldock , Dr Joanne Worsley, Dr Melissa Chapple (Primary Care and Mental Health) and Dr Antonina Anisimovich found that 91 per cent of participants experienced increased self-esteem.
86 per cent of participants said that activities improved their mood and supported their everyday living. The Music and Health team forge links with groups across the region, enabling participants to continue making music in welcoming environments and progress their recovery journey.
One participant said: “These sessions have inspired me to become more creative in other areas as well. I have written poems and started painting again. But I have also managed to speak to people, which I find extremely difficult.”
Evaluation for the report into the Music and Health Programme has included thematic analysis of interviews, archive data, participant testimonials and musicians’ reflections, as well as evidence from surveys and quantitative data.
Speaking about the report, the researchers said: “This has been a hugely rewarding interdisciplinary endeavour which has involved our partners as both participants and collaborators.
“Our findings show the value of music as a connective power for all stakeholders, dismantling rigid hierarchies, and inspiring and sharing a sense of self-worth. We highlight the partnership between Liverpool Philharmonic and Mersey Care as a national example of a successful and long lasting arts and health collaboration.”
You can read the short report in full here.