About Us

Breathe Arts Health Research (Breathe) designs and delivers creative programmes, underpinned by scientific research, to improve health and wellbeing.

Our work is co-designed with artists, scientists, healthcare staff and patients, to meet specific clinical and wellbeing needs. We deliver a diverse range of evidence-based participatory programmes and live performance events across a range of art forms, including dance, music, visual art, poetry and magic.

Breathe is a values driven organisation, with a small team who make a big impact. Our innovative and artistic approach to transforming healthcare experiences, offer those we work with, a sense of empowerment, hope and creative fulfilment when they need it most.

Our Vision

To transform healthcare; embedding evidence-based arts and health programmes into the mainstream

Being a participant in Breathe’s programmes have allowed me to see the possibilities and limitless capabilities I have as an individual when I tap into my creative side.
Melodies for Mums Participant

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We are proud that our work has been commissioned by over 15 NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) nationally

Breathe is delighted to be one of the first arts and health companies to be recognised by NHS England for our work. Patients and communities can access our programmes through referrals from a healthcare practitioner or link worker – making our work part of mainstream healthcare.

Breathe’s programmes are one of the things that gives the Trust a bit of an edge. Hospitals can be distressing for patients and tough places to work for staff - the arts counter that in no small way. It is a very important part of caring for patients and staff.
Sir Hugh Taylor, Guy’s and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust Chairman

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We have worked across over 80 healthcare locations in the UK and have delivered work as far afield as Australia

To help achieve this, we back up our creative approaches with robust clinical research. Our programmes are developed in collaboration with leading healthcare professionals and cultural partners worldwide, then assessed for its medical and economic value. Our research papers are published in peer-reviewed medical journals.

Breathe also offers consultancy services in healthcare and business, including corporate communications training, unique team building opportunities and keynote speakers.

Ensuring our programmes at Breathe are underpinned by robust clinical research means that we can not only be sure of the efficacy of our work, but also, and very importantly, understand how and why our programmes are making an impact.
Yvonne Farquharson, Breathe's Founder and Managing Director