Patients and NHS staff at Salford Royal Hospital were treated to an uplifting and varied musical afternoon on Tuesday 11 November 2025, when NW Hearts Charity Chief Executive James White joined a “Singing for the Heart” session on one of the hospital’s cardiac wards.

The hour long session, part of a programme funded by NW Hearts Charity, was led by guitarist Matt and the project team from Intergenerational Music Making, who bring live music and group singing to hospital wards and community settings across Greater Manchester.

Patients joined in with classic hits by Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Neil Diamond, filling the ward with smiles, clapping, and a few dance moves from staff and visitors alike.

James said,

“It was fantastic to see first-hand the joy and connection this project brings. Music has such a powerful effect on wellbeing – it lifts spirits and brings people together, even in a hospital setting.”

The “Singing for the Heart” programme is part of NW Hearts Charity’s wider commitment to improving heart health and supporting recovery through innovative community and hospital-based projects. By funding initiatives that go beyond traditional medical care, the charity aims to enhance both the physical and emotional wellbeing of people living with heart conditions across Greater Manchester.