Summary
A Greater Manchester music therapy project wins a PCB-sponsored Health and Care Champion Award.
Finalists of the Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards 2025 were celebrated in a ceremony at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum on Thursday, 10 July.
The sponsored event was held to champion the work of people and teams making a difference across the region.
Hosted by former Blue Peter presenter Mwaksy Mudenda, this year’s Collaboration Award was sponsored by Greater Manchester Primary Care Provider Board (PCB).
Chair of the PCB, Luvjit Kandula, proudly presented the award to worthy winner Chris Durkin, for his work with the ‘Singing from the Heart’ project aimed at improving heart disease care.
As part of the project, Chris, the North West Community Manager at Intergenerational Music Making (IMM), combines music therapy, breathwork and creative expression to enhance emotional wellbeing, reduce isolation and support heart health.
The innovative project brings together GPs, Manchester Libraries, Age UK, HC-One Care Homes, the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University in a cross-sector collaboration that promotes connection and health across GM.
Luvjit Kandula, Chair of the PCB, said: “It was truly an honour to present the GM Health and Care Champion Award for Collaboration to Chris Durkin, for his ‘Singing from the Heart’ project. What a fantastic initiative!
“A heartfelt congratulations go to all the winners and nominees. It was a truly inspiring and uplifting event which showcased the fantastic work of our GM health and care colleagues, who are making a real difference to the lives of GM residents through innovative approaches, compassion and selfless service.
“Thank you to all these colleagues for their commitment, efforts and passion to make a difference to people’s lives.”
Sir Richard Leese, Chair of NHS Greater Manchester, said: “It is always a pleasure to be part of the Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards. It’s a great opportunity to hear of the amazing work that all the shortlisted finalists do across our health and care system every day.”
Other finalists in the Collaboration Award were:
- Salford Children and Young People’s Asthma Group – NHS Greater Manchester
- Living Well Team, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale (Mental Health) – Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
SWAN Primary Care Network won the Employer/Workplace of the Year, sponsored by Hill Dickinson.
Visit the NHS Greater Manchester’s website for the full list of winners and shortlisted finalists.
