Celebrating 13 Years of Creative Health at Guy’s and St Thomas’ – A New Chapter

Our staff wellbeing programme has provided an important outlet for staff at all levels within the Trust, from Afrobeat dance classes to energise, and drawing workshops to help staff unwind after a busy day, to our NHS staff choir, our programmes have always sought to improve staff health and wellbeing within the Trust through the power of the arts.

Additionally, we have data that shows we have improved clinical outcomes and healthcare pathways for patients with a range of health conditions. We are particularly proud of our long-standing clinical programmes; Breathe Dance for Strength and Balance and Breathe Sing for Lung Health which offer patients a voice and choice over their care. More recently we have  piloted innovative projects from portraiture workshops for women undergoing breast reconstruction surgery to explore ideas of identity, to a collaborative songwriting project for parents of long-stay patients at the Evelina Children’s Hospital to give them a creative outlet for their emotions.

These programmes have become a beloved part of the Trust’s healthcare environment and culture, and we are incredibly proud of the positive impact they have had over the years. We also made connections with the Trust’s vibrant cultural neighbourhood for staff and patients, with partnerships including Southbank Centre, the Young Vic, Morley College and English National Ballet.

Our work, made possible thanks to support from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, has been a source of healing and joy for so many, and it is deeply saddening to see it come to an end. This is especially difficult given the growing recognition of Creative Health as an effective tool in improving patient care, reducing stress, and enhancing the wellbeing of healthcare professionals. In recent years, research has underscored the transformative potential of arts in health, and we have seen firsthand how creative interventions can break down barriers, improve mental health, and foster a sense of community in (sometimes difficult) clinical settings.

While our programmes have officially concluded, we are grateful for the years of collaboration and for everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. We are particularly grateful to our wonderful resident musicians, artists, and dedicated volunteers, who have always gone above and beyond to make these creative moments feel like something truly special. The memories of shared laughter, unexpected performances, and the many positive health outcomes we’ve witnessed will stay with us forever. 

We want to make it clear that our work within other communities and healthcare spaces continues to thrive.  The end of funding from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity does not mean the end of Breathe’s commitment to Creative Health in the NHS. As well as continuing our creative staff wellbeing work within Southeast London Integrated Care System, our flagship programmes Breathe Melodies for Mums and Breathe Magic continue to grow. 

We are also exploring new partnerships and ways to continue our mission of bringing arts into healthcare. We remain committed to using creativity to tackle health challenges and to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the NHS. 

In the meantime, our wonderful Breathe Harmony NHS Staff Choir (which started at Guy’s and St Thomas’) will continue throughout 2025, thanks to the generosity of everybody who donated to our Big Give Christmas Challenge. Watch this space for their upcoming performances!  

As we close this chapter with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust, we do so with sadness but gratitude, and hope for the future. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. 

If you know of any individuals or organisations who would like to sponsor any element of this work to continue please get in touch.