SSE Fellow wins inaugural ‘Innovation in Lambeth’ Award

SSE Fellow Yvonne Farquharson who is Managing Director of the social enterprise Breathe Arts Health Research who have recently won the inaugural “Innovation in Lambeth” prize at the borough’s NHS Clinical Commissioning Group’s recent Lammy Awards.

Breathe,  which spun out from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity in 2012, uses the arts as a basis for pioneering healthcare programmes. It is best known for its flagship ‘Breathe Magic’ intensive therapy programme, also delivers the largest performing arts (including music, magic, theatre, creative writing and poetry) hospital programme currently running in the UK, and works in partnership with the National Theatre and other leading cultural institutions.

Yvonne said:

“We are delighted, and humbled, that our work has been acknowledged with this award. To be recognized by the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group is an vital seal of approval for the value of injecting creativity into healthcare programmes. We know it has a profound impact on patient outcomes and, therefore, recognition by the NHS is a tremendous step forward for all of us pioneering this approach.“

Breathe adds this Lammy award to a growing list of other industry recognitions including: first prize at the European Academy of Childhood Disabilities conference in 2012; a highly commended programme at the 2014 Wellchild Awards; and two shortlists at the 2014 Positive Practice in Mental Health Awards. In addition, Breathe has been selected as one of The Observer and Nesta’s 50 most exciting companies in the UK changing the face of British Business by offering innovative ways to tackle social challenges.

We at SSE are delighted that our amazing Fellows are being recognised for the fantastic work they do. Through our courses and programmes we hope to give entrepreneurs the tools to be catalysts for change and we are proud that Breathe Arts Health Research is achieving these wonderful feats.