Watch our Performing Arts Programme in action at Guy's and St Thomas'

We are delighted to announce the official release our new film, capturing the diversity and impact of Breathe's Performing Arts Programme at Guy's and St Thomas'.

More than ten years ago, Breathe Arts Health Research had a vision to transform healthcare at Guy’s and St Thomas’ through combining arts and science. Together with NHS staff, patients, and artists we created a diverse, inclusive and impactful performing arts programme.

Grab a cup of tea and take a couple of minutes to experience the programme for yourself, by watching the film below.

This programme consists of:

NHS Staff Wellbeing

Breathe Dance for Staff Wellbeing is 8-week blocks of dance classes for Guy’s and Thomas’ NHS staff to relieve stress and boost wellbeing. These take place on Tuesday evenings either in or in venues close to Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals.
Breathe Creative Breaks takes place weekly on a Thursday lunchtime on Zoom, and Breathe Visual Artist, Liz Atkin, guides 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.
Breathe Harmony is our NHS staff choir, which takes place on Monday evenings and is led by talented Musical Directors Mike King and Katie Rose.

Breathe Sing for Lung Health

Originally developed in partnership with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS respiratory team, Breathe Sing for Lung Health aims to improve lung health and help manage symptoms through physical warm-ups, vocal exercises and group singing. This is open to Open to Guy’s and St Thomas’ lung and respiratory patients and takes place on Wednesdays 11am – 12pm (2 sessions a month on Zoom, 2 in-person at Southbank Centre).

Breathe Dance for Strength and Balance

Breathe Dance for Strength and Balance is for older patients with vestibular conditions, recovering from stroke or at risk of falls. In collaboration with the Physiotherapy team at Guy’s Hospital and specialist dance practitioner, Stella Howard, exercises are carefully graded to move participants from the chair, to the barre, to standing unaided over a 10-week course. Participation is through referral by Guy’s Older Person Assessment Unit clinical team.

Breathing Spaces

Breathing Spaces bring extensive and diverse performances and events to Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, to improve health and wellbeing of staff, patients, and visitors. These take place daily across Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals and community sites.