Who We Are
Friends of Breathe Arts Health Research was set up in 2018 to support arts-based interventions in the health sector.
At present it does so by supporting the work of Breathe Arts Health Research Community Interest Company (Company Number 08132323). Breathe is an award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise that designs and delivers creative programmes, underpinned by scientific research, to improve health and wellbeing. Their work is co-designed with artists, scientists, healthcare staff and patients, to meet specific clinical needs.
Breathe’s innovative and artistic approach to transforming healthcare experiences offers those they work with a sense of empowerment, hope and creative fulfilment when they need it most. Breathe are one of the first arts and health companies to be recognised by NHS England for their work.
Alongside on the ground delivery, transforming healthcare in local communities, Breathe regularly work alongside the World Health Organisation to train teams nationally and internationally, advocating for arts and health on the world stage. Breathe currently work across healthcare locations in the UK and have delivered work as far afield as Australia. Annually they engage over 6,000 people through 355 projects and events. To find out more about their innovative work, please visit Breathe’s website.
Breathe’s current programmes include:
The Breathe Magic Intensive Therapy Programme: for young people aged 7-19 with hemiplegia. This award-winning approach uses Magic Circle magicians, alongside Occupational Therapists, to teach magic tricks designed to develop hand/arm function, cognitive abilities, self-confidence and independence.
Breathe Melodies for Mums: is a pioneering 10-week programme of music-making and singing for women with or at-risk of postnatal depression, improving mental health and reducing social isolation. After just six weeks of singing, mums had experienced a decrease of nearly 35% in their symptoms. 65% no longer had moderate-severe symptoms. This programme is now being adapted to support new fathers at risk of postnatal depression.
Breathe Harmony NHS Staff choir: Comprised of over 50 NHS staff from across South East London, this choir brings NHS staff together to relax, de-stress and connect with colleagues across all levels of the NHS. 75% of NHS staff have experienced a mental health condition in the past year, with many reporting anxiety, low mood, exhaustion and high stress levels. Due to differing working patterns and lone-working NHS staff also often feel isolated and disconnected from colleagues. Supporting NHS staff wellbeing can reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve team morale. It is essential that we look after those that look after us, those who are often forgotten or ignored.
