Publish date: 8 May 2026
An exciting new art project funded by Mersey Cares in collaboration with MCFT has had its second instalment this week as part of Culture 26 celebrations.
The funding was secured by Mersey Cares to support Halton Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) with a ‘Creative Connections’ art project involving a six‑month programme of artist‑led workshops designed to support wellbeing, creativity and self‑expression. The project will culminate in a shared public exhibition celebrating participants’ artwork.
The first session took place last week, with staff joining a mindful soundwalk led by composer and sound artist Sara Wolff. Taking a slow-paced route around Thorn Road Clinic and into Runcorn Town Hall Park, participants were encouraged to tune into everyday sounds and reflect on how listening can deepen our connection to place and to each other.
Feedback from staff was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the session as relaxing, and a welcome opportunity to slow down and reset during the working day.
One staff member said:
“Thank you for an amazing experience within the workplace. I found the session really engaging and relaxing. I will use active listening again and aim to practise this both in and out of work.”
The project is led by Art Psychotherapist Nicola Hamlin who has organised a diverse programme of artists and art forms to attend both Halton locations over the coming months, creating meaningful creative experiences for both staff and patients.
"Staff and patients spent time outdoors tuning into the sounds around them, responding creatively through mark-making, note taking and drawing, and concluded sharing reflections together,” Nicola shared about the first sessions. “There was lots of enthusiasm for connecting creatively and slowing down the pace.”
Find out more about Culture 26:
Culture 26: Celebrating Halton-Made Creativity | Visit Halton
