Breathe Magic Trainer - Breathe
Breathe Magic Trainer

Breathe Magic Trainer

Volunteer as a Magic Trainer with Breathe Arts Health Research

Are you an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist student, graduate, or professional looking for a rewarding and exciting volunteering opportunity? Become a Magic Trainer on our award-winning Breathe Magic Intensive Therapy Programme and support young people with hemiplegia through the art of magic.

What is the Breathe Magic Intensive Therapy Programme?

Imagine combining magic tricks with occupational therapy – sounds fun, right? That’s exactly what we do! Breathe Arts Health Research has designed, researched and delivered an innovative intervention incorporating specially selected magic tricks that provoke specific two-handed actions, performance and problem-solving skills into an intensive bimanual and goal-oriented therapy programme for young people with hemiplegia, since 2008.

This isn’t just an amazing opportunity to get involved in something unique – it’s also a chance to gain paediatric neurology experience and make a lasting impact on the lives of young people who need it most.

Volunteering as a Magic Trainer has been such an amazing and enriching experience! It was inspiring to see the collaboration between occupational therapy and magic, which resulted in life-changing outcomes for every Young Magician. I was surrounded by a wonderful team who supported and guided us through the experience. Being a part of this incredible team and supporting the Young Magicians on their journey’s, and celebrating their achievements, reminded me why I want to be an occupational therapist.
Feedback from an Occupational Therapy Student & Magic Trainer

What Will I Do and What Will I Learn?

As a Magic Trainer, you’ll work alongside our Joint Clinical Leads, Rebecca Johnson and Rebecca Fortescue (both Highly Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapists), to deliver tailored therapy in a fun, group-based setting for up to 16 young people (aged 7-19). You’ll be right there supporting the young people as they practice their magic tricks and work on activities of daily living (ADLs) like fastening buttons, tying shoes, or cutting up food with both hands.

You’ll gain practical experience in supporting young people with various clinical presentations of hemiplegia, learning to assess and adapt activities based on each child’s individual needs. You’ll also develop skills in:

  • Upper limb motor learning and goal-oriented therapy
  • Clinical communication, both verbal and written
  • Adapting therapeutic activities to meet each child’s specific challenges and needs

It’s a hands-on, immersive experience that will give you valuable insights into paediatric neurological rehabilitation.

What Support and Training Will I Receive?

  • Pre-Camp Training: Before the programme begins, you’ll attend a compulsory Zoom training day with our Joint Clinical Leads and Programme Manager. We’ll dive into the clinical reasoning, evidence-base and research behind the therapy, and the logistics of the programme so you’re fully prepared.
  • Ongoing Mentorship: Throughout the programme, you’ll work closely with the Joint Clinical Leads and get continuous support. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, get feedback, and develop your skills.
  • CPD Opportunities: After the programme, you’ll be invited to an optional evening CPD training session on upper-limb motor learning (worth £200). Plus, we’ll provide a certificate of participation and a letter of commendation for your hard work – perfect for your CV!

And of course, you’ll have a blast watching the young people grow in confidence and independence while learning some magic tricks to impress your friends and family!

100%

of Magic Trainers who volunteered in 2024 would recommend the role to other friends or colleagues.

Why Join Us?

  • Gain unique experience in a paediatric neurological setting.
  • Enhance your CV with valuable experience supporting young people with hemiplegia and developing bimanual skills.
  • Work with an inspiring and creative team and be part of a programme that truly makes a difference to the lives of young people with hemiplegia and their families.
  • Receive professional development through training and CPD opportunities, and join a network of like-minded individuals.

How Do I Apply?

If you’re passionate about making a positive impact, learning new skills, and having fun along the way, we’d love to have you join the team! Simply complete the Magic Trainer Sign-Up Form to apply.

For more details or any questions, check out our FAQs and volunteer job description, or get in touch with us at magic@breatheahr.org.

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