Creativity and Wellbeing Week at Breathe Arts Health Research

FREE creative & wellbeing workshops for Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust staff and official volunteers

Creativity and Wellbeing Week is a national festival celebrating the power of creativity and culture to improve our health and wellbeing. The festival is a partnership between London Arts and Health Forum and the Culture, Health & Wellbeing Alliance and this year’s theme is Get Creative, Get Outdoors.

We are offering one-off, creative workshops alongside taster sessions of our regular participatory programmes at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. All activities are designed to give NHS staff some important time to recharge, de-stress and meet other colleagues.

I'm calmer. I think I just feel more fulfilled and It brings a bit more colour into my life
Debra, participant

FREE Events for Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Staff and official volunteers:

Breathe Creative Breaks

Online on Zoom

Monday 16 May, 1pm-1.45pm

Take part in an absorbing workshop, designed to reduce anxiety by channelling attention through simple yet uplifting drawing activities.

In this special edition, artist, Liz Atkin, will be joined by harpist Ruby Aspinall for live music throughout the workshop.

Liz will guide participants through a calming workshop inspired by the work of well-known artists, giving the freedom to experiment and have fun in a non-competitive, open and friendly group.

Sign-up here

Breathe Dance with Vera the Diva: Salsa class

Online on Zoom

Tuesday 17 May, 6.30pm-7.30pm

Try a salsa and merengue dance class with Edurne from acclaimed Dance school, Vera the Diva. Set to mood-boosting music, aimed at relieving stress, releasing tension and having fun in a supportive environment. All welcome and no previous dance experience necessary.

Sign-up here

Breathing Space: Live performance with pianist Karim Kamar

Central Hall, St Thomas’ Hospital

Wednesday 18 May, 1pm-2pm

Take some time for yourself and listen to the soothing music of composer and pianist Karim Kamar. A musician of outstanding quality, Karim performs a selection of his own original, romantic compositions – perfect for peace and reflection. No sign up required.

Breathe Poetry for Mindfulness

Online on Zoom

Friday 20 May, 1pm-2pm

Take time during your lunch break to join a peaceful, reflective and refreshing session of mindfulness and poetry. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress and improve well-being, clarity, focus and creativity.

This online workshop will be led by poet and mindfulness practitioner, Cath Drake. During the workshop, we’ll listen and read poetry together, write our own with inspiration from Cath, and share what we’ve created at the end.

Sign-up here

Breathe Harmony NHS choir – open rehearsal

In-person at St George the Martyr Church, SE1

Monday 23 May, 6pm-8pm

Join an in-person rehearsal with the celebrated Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS staff choir, Breathe Harmony and sing some feel-good classics. No previous singing experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome.

Sign-up here