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From our weekly public performances, to surprise innovative pop-ups, we contributed to a more welcoming environment across over 90 healthcare locations, offering high quality creative experiences whilst changing perceptions of hospital spaces.
Please note: Funding for these programmes previously delivered in Guy’s & St Thomas’ have sadly ended. If you are interested in funding this programme please contact [email protected]
The Breathe performances were excellent. They took my mind away from a busy, stressful day. It gave me a chance to pause and re-energise for whatever the afternoon threw at me!Guy's and St Thomas' Staff member
Lunchtime performances
Based on research that the arts can reduce anxiety levels, encourage relaxation and help with pain relief, our free performances that happened in the public spaces of the hospitals invited staff, patients and visitors to take a break and enjoy a Breathing Space.
Weekly performances included live music, dance and theatre which celebrated diverse cultures and styles, and were performed by a range of professional artists and musicians.
Resident Musicians
Breathe’s Resident Musicians played daily across Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals and community sites; on wards, outpatient units, clinics, waiting rooms, rest and recharge zones and public spaces, enriching the healthcare environment.
Our longstanding group of experienced musicians are experts in bringing music and interaction in a sensitive way. They uplifted and calmed spaces, creating meaningful and memorable encounters by improvising and adapting repertoire to individuals, in times of need.
Ulrica Nilsson (2008)* found that 30 minutes of music significantly reduces anxiety levels for patients awaiting surgery – this is the minimum time that our Resident Musicians played live music across Guy’s and St Thomas’ public, clinical and waiting areas.
of audience members at our lunchtime performances and 83% of those from our inpatient and outpatient performances said the music made them feel happy, calm or relaxed
Pop-up performances
Breathe Resident Musicians and creative practitioners (including poets, magicians and visual artists) delivered surprise 1 minute ‘pop-up’ interactions in public spaces across all hospital sites, to encourage a moment of pause and recharge.
Breathing Spaces online
During COVID-19 our fabulous Breathe artists went digital, sharing their short pop-up performances online, to help our community relax and recharge at home. See our Breathing Spaces videos on YouTube for moments of music, magic, dance and poetry.
We are always looking to expand our Breathing Spaces programmes to other NHS Trusts, get in touch with Project Manager Jo to find out more.
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 moreReferences
Nilsson, Ulrica. (2008). The Anxiety- and Pain-Reducing Effects of Music Interventions: A Systematic Review. AORN journal. 87. 780-807. 10.1016/j.aorn.2007.09.013. [DOI].
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