Newham Music
Vital Arts is proud to partner with Newham Music to bring high-quality music-making into Newham Hospital.
At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief that creativity has an important role to play in health and wellbeing. By connecting our hospital community with one of Newham's leading cultural organisations, we create opportunities for staff, patients and local residents to experience the benefits of music, both within the hospital and beyond.
Upcoming Event - Windrush Day Celebration
Monday 22 June | 12–2pm
Main Atrium, Newham Hospital
Join us for our annual Windrush Day celebration, bringing together hospital staff, patients, visitors and local community partners.
The event will feature performances from a local primary school, the Newham Staff Choir and steel pan musicians, alongside information stalls from local organisations and community groups.
Developed in partnership with Newham Music, the celebration honours the contribution of the Windrush generation to the NHS and the borough of Newham, while showcasing the creativity and diversity of our local community.
This event is free and open to staff, patients, visitors.
Music for staff, patients and communities
Since 2023, Vital Arts and Newham Music have worked together to deliver a growing programme of creative activity at Newham Hospital. Through performances, workshops and participatory projects, the partnership brings together professional musicians, hospital staff, patients, local schoolchildren and community groups.
Projects include:
The Newham Staff Choir, led by professional vocal tutors from Newham Music
Annual Windrush Day celebrations featuring staff, pupils and professional musicians
Ward-based music workshops for patients
Intergenerational performances connecting young people with older adult patients
The Newham Staff Choir
The Newham Staff Choir is open to all staff, regardless of role or musical experience.
Led by Newham Music vocal leader Gabrielle Chudi, the choir provides an opportunity for colleagues to come together, develop their confidence, and connect with one another through singing. Throughout the year, the choir performs at hospital celebrations and community events.
Rehearsals take place on the first Wednesday of every month from 12.15–1pm in the Wellbeing Space at Newham Hospital.
To find out more or join the choir, please fill out this short form: Newham Staff Choir – Fill out form
Windrush Day
One of the partnership's flagship projects is Newham Hospital's annual Windrush Day celebration.
Developed with Newham Music, the Newham Staff Choir and local schools, the event brings together staff, patients and community members to celebrate the contribution of the Windrush generation to the NHS and wider society. Through music, storytelling and performance, the project creates a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the history of the NHS and the diverse communities that continue to shape it today.
“It was such a moving celebration. Seeing colleagues and children sing together really brought home the sense of pride and togetherness in our community.”
Who are Newham Music?
Newham Music is the award-winning music hub for Newham. They are committed to providing high-quality music education and opportunities to children and young people in schools throughout the borough and at Newham Music Academy, their after school and Saturday music centre.
Newham Music work with over 15,000 children and young people each year and, since becoming an independent charity in 1996, have provided transformational and life-enhancing music opportunities to many thousands of young people from all corners of the borough.
“There’s something incredibly moving about seeing groups of people singing together - especially when it’s local schoolchildren alongside NHS staff. Knowing that these are the same people who care for us when we’re at our most vulnerable makes the moment even more powerful.”
Staff member, Newham Hospital
Partner
