Breathe Creative Breaks - Breathe

Breathe Creative Breaks

Online drawing workshops for Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS staff designed to promote health and wellbeing

Breathe Creative Breaks offer NHS staff a chance to pause, unwind and reduce anxiety by channelling attention through absorbing drawing activities.

Each week 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.

Our short 30-minute workshops allow Breathe Creative Breaks to be fitted into a busy working day and to encourage staff to take a well-deserved lunch break to refocus, relax and recharge.

The approach using basic, easily accessible materials such as pens, pencils and even coffee and tea, enables staff to take part wherever they may be working, on hospital sites, in the community or from home.

Workshops are free and no previous drawing experience is necessary.

Find out more from our fantastic NHS staff participants in this short film.

100%

100% of Breathe Creative Breaks participants reported a positive impact on their wellbeing

Frequently asked questions

Yes! Of course, this is not about a finished artwork, it is about taking time for yourself to relax.

We use simple art materials including pens such as biros, sharpies, ink, graphite pencil, colouring pencils, or even everyday objects like black tea and coffee. We will let you know in the weekly reminder email what materials you will need for the workshop.

No, sign up once and we will send you a reminder every week with how to join.

We are always looking to expand our staff wellbeing programmes to other NHS Trusts and workplaces, get in touch to find out more.

Our Partners

Breathe Creative Breaks is delivered by Breathe Arts Health Research and made possible with support from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity.

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.

Find out more

By supporting our work, you're enabling us to reach more people with our creative healthcare programmes