We provide the communities we work with, a set of tools to help them to creatively engage with their own health and wellbeing. Ensuring that all of our programmes are underpinned by scientific research or robust evaluation means that we can measure our impact and ensure we are always making a meaningful change.
Our Impact
Breathe Magic Intensive Therapy Programme
The Breathe Magic Intensive Therapy Programme was created to help young people with hemiplegia (a weakness or paralysis affecting one side of the body as a result of brain injury or stroke) through the art of magic. We use specially designed Breathe Magic tricks to develop hand and arm function, cognitive abilities, self-confidence and independence.
Between 75% and 92% of children have clinically significant improvements in hand function after the Breathe Magic camp.
Find out more about Breathe Magic.
16
Breathe Magic has been running for 16 years and benefitted children from 10 countries around the world
I have noticed a developing positive identity around his hemiplegia - a topic he was very reluctant to talk about prior to camp, but he will now bring into conversation about his helping hand and doing hand, finding things tricky and needing a bit longer than some other children but in a far more neutral way than his previous expressions of frustration. I would say, in terms of long term emotional health, wellbeing and self-identity this is one of the most valuable outcomes from the Magic Camp.
At age 7 Ben arrived at the Breathe Magic camp with his hand still fisted, then after three days of this intensive therapy the thumb started to move to the side. Then he was able to open his hand right out, and that is the magic.Read more
Breathe Melodies for Mums
Based on ground-breaking research from Royal College of Music and Imperial College London, Breathe Melodies for Mums was designed with mum at the heart, to support those who may be experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety and social isolation.
90% of participants experienced an improvement in symptoms of postnatal depression as evidenced by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.
Find out more about Breathe Melodies for Mums or check out some recent infographics from our online programme.
73%
Results show participation can lead to recovery of postnatal depression in 73% mothers who take part
Melodies for Mums was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and strengthened me into the person I am today - to know that there were other people there for us not only as mothers but as human beings who needed support and compassion, I will be forever grateful to you all.
The sessions really increase your energy levels and mood. There was no stigma. We were all just there singing and trying to find ourselves through the music. They reminded me that as a mum, you have to count yourself as important.Read more
Breathe Harmony NHS Staff Choir
Our Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS staff choir promotes health and wellbeing through the power of singing.
77% of members reported a positive impact on their experience of the healthcare environment through the choir and we have had over 81,000 YouTube views of our single, recorded during COVID-19.
Find out more about Breathe Harmony.
77%
77% of choir members report a positive impact that Breathe Harmony has on their experience of the healthcare environment
Breathe Harmony has been one of the most wonderful musical experiences of my life! I know I will never again find a choir like Breathe Harmony, it has confirmed what a positive effect singing has on my wellbeing.
My wife was in ICU at St Thomas’ hospital and our new born in Children’s Intensive Care. Every day for two weeks, the journey between the different units took me past Breathe Harmony choir rehearsals in Central Hall. It’s moments like this that helped me through the darkest times, the power of your music can’t be measured.”
NHS Staff Wellbeing Programme
In the last year we have developed several new online programmes to meet specific needs for NHS staff that had arisen in response to the pandemic. This includes Breathe Dance for Staff Wellbeing and Breathe Creative Breaks amongst others.
73% of Breathe Dance for Staff participants reported a positive impact on their wellbeing.
Find out more about Breathe Dance for Staff Wellbeing and Breathe Creative Breaks.
600
We worked with over 600 NHS staff during the pandemic in 2020, offering bespoke arts and health programmes to meet staff wellbeing needs
As someone who has physical and mental health conditions, the Breathe Dance classes have helped me to manage many of my symptoms, and have given me something to look forward to and include in my weekly routine whilst spending nearly all my time living and working at home.
The Breathe Creative Breaks workshops have been fun, creative, taught me skills, relaxed and allowed me to have some time out in an otherwise pressured clinical day. After those 30 minutes I feel much calmer and more positive.
Evaluation Report 2020
Read 'Compassionate Care in a Year of Change', a full Evaluation Report on our Performing Arts Programme at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.
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