Nominator Lydia Hayes, Head of Development at Breathe Arts Health Research, says that under the exceptional leadership of Yvonne Farquharson, the team have responded to the challenges presented by COVID-19 quickly, creatively and imaginatively. Alongside reimagining all the existing arts and health programmes for COVID-safe delivery, they have developed a complete NHS staff wellbeing package, directly responding to needs identified by NHS partners. Their close relationship with the NHS means they can deliver specially tailored, bespoke care programmes supporting the physical and mental health of patients and staff. Their innovative staff wellbeing package includes: Wellbeing Workshops: new online 20-minute creative workshops delivered by a diverse range of world-class artists, exploring creativity and wellbeing. Examples include drawing to manage anxiety, poetry for mindfulness and singing for stress relief.
Breathe Dance for Staff Wellbeing: following feedback that staff they were more sedentary, under increased pressure and weren’t able to socialise, Breathe developed ‘Breathe Dance’. This weekly dance programme enables staff to socialise, dance to mood boosting music whilst increasing movement/flexibility.
Creative Breaks: 30min live creative workshops with visual artist Liz Atkin. Aimed at staff working from home who often are not stopping for lunch, these workshops encourage you to take a break, recharge and escape and are a great way of keeping staff connected.
Wellbeing Playlists: pre-recorded video performances by Breathe’s resident musicians for staff to enjoy at home and in the wellbeing zones set up within hospitals. The playlists help staff relax, unwind, recharge, reflect and boost.
Breathe Harmony: staff choir of Guy’s & St Thomas’ has been vital in helping staff destress and socialise. In April, Breathe released the single ‘Anytime you need a Friend’ in collaboration with singers around the world, the single now has over 71,000 YouTube hits.
To find out more visit: https://breatheahr.org
