arts health research

Breathe MagicSummer CampParent Information Pack

www.breatheahr.org

Creative

Approaches

to Healthcare

Contents

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Overview of Breathe Magic Summer Camp

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Breathe Magic Camp for?

How will Breathe Magic Camp benefit my child?

Where and when will the Breathe Magic Camp take place?

Does my child need to attend all sessions?

What type of support will my child receive?

What will a typical day at Breathe Magic Camp include?

Does my child need to be enrolled in mainstream school?

Is there anything that may exclude my child from participating?

Is there anything we need to do in preparation for Breathe Magic Camp?

Can my child’s siblings or friends also join the magic camp?

Can we see an example of the camp or attend a session beforehand?

Do I have to stay with my child?

Can I just buy a magic kit and help my child learn themselves?

My child has already attended a Breathe Magic Camp, will s/he be able to attend the camp again?

What research is there that demonstrates that this is an effective therapy programme?

How do we sign up?

What next?

Case Studies

Meet the team

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Case Studies

Sam 18

Elspeth 20

Josh 22

Angel 24

Jack 26

Tristan 28

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Overview

A fun and effective way for your child to significantly improve the use of their affected hand whilst increasing their independence and confidence!

Breathe Magic 10-day Summer Camps are a well-researched and highly effective intensive therapy programme where children learn specially selected and scaled magic tricks designed to help them increase the use of their affected hand and arm. Renowned Magic Circle magicians work alongside occupational therapists, in a 1:1 setting to teach magic tricks and performing skills which develop motor and bimanual skills and enhance confidence and self-esteem.

The programme was developed in 2008, when Magic Circle magicians collaborated with occupational therapists from Evelina Children’s Hospital at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust to design a creative approach to therapy. Clinical research has been integrated in to the design and delivery of  the programme since 2008, under  the leadership of Dr Dido Green. This ground-breaking associated research programme won a first poster prize award at the European Academy of Childhood Disabilities Conference in Istanbul in 2012 and the research results from the Breathe Magic programme have since been published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.

These results show significant and clinically meaningful improvements in the ability to use the weaker hand for independent performance of two-handed use. Children not only showed better bimanual skills and were quicker in picking up and releasing objects, but also reported being more confident and positive about their overall capabilities. The team at Breathe Magic have run 8 camps since 2008 across the UK, Israel and Australia.

In essence, Breathe Magic Camps deliver a programme of simple magic tricks that replicate the movements taught in conventional therapy sessions. Each trick is carefully chosen to incorporate a series of precise exercises that help develop essential movements, e.g. hand rotation, picking up an object using the thumb and  forefinger, with the repetitive action of practicing these tricks increasing the range of movement and building up strength and dexterity in the affected hand and arm.

Each camp culminates in a show for family and friends put on in a theatre. Monthly magic clubs run for the six months following the camp to encourage a  child to  continue practicing the movements at home, as well as providing a boost to their self-confidence from developing a skill few of their able-bodied peers possess. The  monthly clubs help the young people and their parents to  build up strong peer support networks, which promotes the sustainability of the programme.

An overview of Breathe Magic Summer Camps 2014 for children with hemiplegia

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Breathe Magic Camp has made such a difference in terms of use of his right hand, independent living, resilience, confidence and self-esteem.”

Jackie, mother of Ben, aged 10

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FrequentlyAsked Questions

FAQs6

Who is Breathe Magic Camp for?

Breathe Magic Camp is for young people, aged 7-17 years old, who have clinical signs of hemiplegia (predominately one-sided weakness  or  paralysis). It  is  advantageous if they also have an interest in magic/performance/theatre.

How will Breathe Magic Camp benefit my child?

Breathe Magic Camp is a fun and safe place for young people with hemiplegia to learn specially selected magic tricks that encourage use of  both hands. The  repetitive action of practicing these tricks can  help build up strength and dexterity in the affected hand and  arm, and  consequently help to increase independence. The performance skills taught as part of the magical learning experience are used to  apply newly developed skills across a range of tasks and to increase the young people’s communication skills, general mobility, confidence, self-esteem and emotional wellbeing. Research has shown that participation in Breathe Magic camp significantly improves hand/arm movement.

In clinical terms Breathe Magic delivers clear benefits. Assessment of the abilities of participants is made at  the start and end of each camp. Further assessments are made at three and six month intervals thereafter to  assess the programme’s long-term impact. Over the  period participating children progressed significantly in using their weaker hand to perform two-handed tasks independently. In practical terms this means that for the first time children were able to  use both hands to  dress themselves, cut up  food or  tie their shoe laces; hugely significant achievements for a child not previously able to  do so. Improvements in  independence corresponded in a reduction in the additional time parents were providing to  support their child by  up  to  50%. The  acquisition of these practical skills as well as having a special talent to ‘wow’ their friends, in turn delivers significant benefits to the children’s emotional wellbeing. For example, the ability to successfully perform a professional magic trick and accomplish tasks independently, as their friends can, enables greater opportunities for participation across social and motor activities. In addition, the  performance skills taught as part of the programme focus on improving the child’s communication skills and confidence.

We know that Sam’s hand will never be perfect, but we just can’t believe the difference it has made to him...”

Jayne, mother of Sam aged 13

Sam’s storyRead now 18

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Since the camp, she tries to see if she can do things with her right hand, exploring the possibilities for herself without being prompted!”

Seonaid, mother of Elspeth aged 8

Elspeth’s story

Where and when will the Breathe Magic Camp take place?

Breathe Magic is aiming to run two camps during July and August 2014. Breathe Magic London Camp will run from Monday 28th July to Friday 8th August 2014 (excluding Saturday and Sunday). This camp will be held in an accessible venue in a central London location with strong public transport links. We will notify you of the exact location of the programme as  soon as this has been confirmed. It is likely that a second camp will be run outside of London, depending on demand.

The camp runs for 10 days over 2 consecutive weeks, Monday-Friday from 10am-4pm each day. The camp will conclude with a Magic show in the late afternoon/early evening of the final day where the young people will perform alongside the magicians in a professional venue for their parents, family and friends. You  will be notified soon after registration when and where the final performance will take place.

Does my child need to attend all sessions?

Yes, young people must be able to attend all sessions. This is important as the acquisition of  new motor skills is  dependent on the intensity of practice over a  concentrated period and each session builds on  previous skills learnt. Attendance for the two weeks is very important to  make the most of this magical opportunity and to  work on  other functional goals identified at the beginning of  the workshops. Attendance at the monthly magic clubs is  equally important for consolidation (saving and retention) of new abilities as  well as  promoting continued progress across activities.

What type of support will my child receive?

All young magicians will be supported in a 1:1 setting by a team of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy students under the leadership of a Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Magic Circle magicians. All  staff on the programme have enhanced CRB clearances, have  undertaken Safeguarding Children Training and have completed the  bespoke Breathe Magic training package.Read now 20

FAQs8

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What will a typical day at Breathe Magic Camp include?

Each day at the magic programme will include practicing and learning of magic tricks. Theatre work such as making magician hats, waistcoats and wands, and also bimanual play, which includes gross motor activities such as ball games. Both hands will be encouraged in every task throughout the day.

Final Magic show

The children will have the opportunity to present their new ‘magical skills’ in a Magic Show alongside members of the Magic Circle. The show will also include the presentation of Young Magician Certificates to all our new magicians!

Magic Practice

Magic Diaries will be used to record the daily tricks learnt that should be practiced at home in the evening. The home-based practice will also include a daily living task, a new task will be introduced each day which should also be practiced at home these may include: using a knife and fork to cut meat, peeling fruit/veg, doing up buttons.

Review of Magic Diaries

New tricks

Morning snack

Bimanual play | Theatre studies

Magic practice setting

Review of previously learnt tricks. Costume design and performing arts workshop.

Learn 3 or more new tricks.

Targets for magic practice of day’s tricks set in magic diaries.

Three tricks per day to practice at home.

Including bimanual tasks.

Including bimanual meal preparation.

Morning Afternoon

Lunch

FAQs10

He’s now attempting things which he wouldn’t try on his own before — such as cutting up food on his plate...”

Karen, mother of Josh aged 14

Josh’s story

Does my child need to be enrolled in mainstream school?

We can only accept young people who do not have significant learning or behaviour difficulties or aphasia. If your child does attend a special school and  may have some specific learning needs, please contact a member of the Breathe therapy team for discussion regarding the suitability of the programme for your child. Although each child will be allocated a 1:1 trainer for the week, each child must be  able to work/play without one to  one  supervision, remember simple sequences of three to four steps and participate in group activities.

Is there anything that may exclude my child from participating?

Unfortunately we cannot accept young people on  the programme if  they have very significant medical needs (e.g. gastrostomy, poorly controlled seizures). Young  people should also be sufficiently independent (for example be able to go to the toilet unattended, needing help with fastenings on clothing only).

Is there anything we need to do in preparation for Breathe Magic Camp?

No. Once your expression of interest has been received and approved you will be  contacted with request for further details. You will be contacted by our Occupational Therapist before the camp to establish a  baseline of  current hand/arm movement and also to  set some functional goals that can be focused on during the two-week club. During Breathe Magic Camp we encourage families to liaise with the child’s trainer at the end of each day to assist their young person with their practice each night.

Can my child’s siblings or friends also join the magic camp?

No, (unless they have hemiplegia) as the programme is specifically designed to meet the needs of children with hemiplegia. It  is important the child with a hemiplegia is empowered by their new talent or as one child stated “This is the first time I am going back to school and can show my friends something they can’t do, it is ALWAYS the other way around”. Read now 22

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FAQs12

Angel still has a long way to go but it is amazing how well she has improved...”

Sumira, mother of Angel aged 8

Angel’s story

Can we see an example of the camp or attend a session beforehand?

Watch a short film of the Breathe Magic Camp programme:

Do I have to stay with my child?

No. There is a full team of therapy students, senior therapists, professional magicians and Senior Breathe staff on site throughout the day. Many children prefer to learn the new magic tricks and then surprise their parents or siblings in  the evenings. Some children may need some support to  remember the  sequence of activities and attendance for the last 15 minutes may be  requested. This will be discussed with you, depending on your child’s needs.

Can I just buy a magic kit and help my child learn themselves?

Not really. The Breathe Magic programme has been embedded into a therapeutic intervention based on current motor learning theories and research evidence. The practice and repetition of  specific and  purposively selected movements within task focussed activities has been demonstrated to improve skills for children with hemiplegia when implemented in a 60 hour or 90 hour programme over two or three consecutive weeks, respectively. The specially selected magic tricks are  designed to  increase the use of the weaker hand and  arm. Professional magicians are invaluable in motivating the children and providing the essential skills to perform the tricks to a high standard.

My child has already attended a Breathe Magic Camp, will s/he be able to attend the camp again?

Yes. Please contact one of the team to discuss this further. We also offer a mentoring/work experience programme for a number of previous Breathe Magic Camp graduates each year. To be eligible to apply for the mentoring programme, your child must be aged 15 or over and you should contact the office to discuss this. Read now 24

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What research is there that demonstrates that this is an effective therapy programme?

These papers show the effectiveness of the Breathe Magic programme in improving hand function and broader psychosocial benefits:

• Green D, Schertz M, Gordon A, Moore A, Schejter-Margalit T, Farquharson Y, Be Bashat D, Weinstein M, Lin J-P, Fattal-Valevski A. (2013) A multi-site study of functional outcomes following a themed approach to hand-arm bimanual intensive therapy (HABIT) for children with hemiplegia. Dev Med Child Neurol; 55(6): 527-533. DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.12113

• Green D, Farquharson Y. (2013) Use of ‘Magic’ as both a performing art and intensive motor therapy for child with hemiplegia. Dev Med Child Neurol; 55(S2):19

These papers highlight the benefits of the intensive bimanual intervention programmes:

• Aarts PB, Jonerius PH, Geerdink YA, Van Limbeek J, Geurts A. Effectiveness of modified constraining-induced movement therapy in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial. NeuroRehab Neural Repair 2010; 24: 509-18.

• Bleyenheuft Y, Arnould C, Brandao M, Bleyenheuft C, Gordon, A. (in press) Hand and Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremity (HABIT-ILE) in Children With Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Trial. Neurorehab Neural Repair

• Cohen-Holtzer M, Katz-Leurer M, Reinstein R, Rotem H, Meyer S. The effect of combining daily restraint with bimanual intensive therapy in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy: A self-control study. NeuroRehabilitaiton 2011; 29:29-36.

• Gordon, A.M., Hung, Y-C, Brandao, M., Gerre, C.L., Kuo, H-C., Friel, K., Petra E., Chinnan, A., Charles, J.R. Bimanual training and constraint-induced movement therapy in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: A randomized trial. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2011; 25: 692-702.

• Sakzewski L, Ziviani J, Abbott D, Macdonell R, Jackson G, Boyd R. One hand or two? Randomised comparison trial of constraint induced movement therapy and bimanual training on activity outcomes for children with congenital hemiplegia. Dev Med Child Neurol 2011; 53: 313-320.

These important reviews of the evidence and guidelines show the overall effect and evidence for task focussed therapy and bimanual interventions.

• Novak I et al (2013) ‘A systematic review of interventions for children with cerebral palsy: state of the evidence’ in Dev Med Child Neurol; 55:855-910.

• Sakzewski, L., Ziviani, J., Boyd, R. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Therapeutic Management of Upper-Limb Dysfunction in Children with Congenital Hemiplegia. Pediatrics 2009; 123: e111-e1122.

• NICE Spasticity in children and young people with non-progressive brain disorders: Management of spasticity and co-existing motor disorders and their early musculoskeletal complications 2012; NICE clinical guideline 145: guidance.nice.org.uk/cg145

FAQs14

Will, father of Jack aged 9

Jack’s storyRead now 26

Thanks to the camp, Jack can now feed himself with his weaker hand — something he was unable to manage previously...”

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FAQs16

For more information visit

www.breatheahr.org

or get in touch on

020 3290 2013

info@breatheahr.org

Office hours 9.00am-5.30pm

Monday-Friday

It sounds great! How do we sign up?

Please complete an expression of interest form and return it to info@breatheahr.org

Upon receiving your completed form, a member of the Breathe Magic team will contact will contact you within 6 weeks to discuss your child’s eligibility for the programme.

What next?

You should consider contacting your child’s local therapist, Paediatrician or Paediatric Neurologist to see if they will refer your child onto the programme. Alternatively you can contact your local GP or Clinical Commissioning Group for funding or extra-contractual referral. If this is unsuccessful you can independently fund a place for your child to attend the programme or fundraise to secure extra funding. In the meantime we are working hard to secure funding to offer some subsidised and funded places this summer.

Learning how to perform magic tricks meant that, for the first time in his life, he could do things which his friends couldn’t even attempt to do...”

Kathy, mother of Tristan aged 8

Tristan’s storyRead now 28

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Jayne, mother of Sam

Case Study

We are amazed at how much more flexible his hand is and how he can use it for more every day activities. He is more confident when out and he is engaging in more social activities.”

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Since taking part in the Breathe Magic camp Sam can do lots of things for the first time in his life, such as using a  toothbrush, getting dressed for school (including doing up all his buttons), and tying up his shoe-laces — something he’s particularly proud of.

Sam, was born prematurely at six months, and suffered a bleed in his brain which caused the hemiplegia. He was a very poorly baby and spent 12 weeks in intensive care. Now he’s in the top sets for English and Maths and is quite literally, for the first time, grasping life with both hands.

“One of our main goals was for him to be able to tie his shoe-laces without help. It was a really magical moment when he  did this for the first time at the camp.” His  mum Jayne says. “It’s  been very emotional for everyone who knows Sam — we’ve been trying to help him do all of these everyday tasks all his life, so it really is amazing to see the difference in him after just a few days of magic camp. It’s very easy to overcompensate with a disabled child but the Breathe Magic camp was the first time in Sam’s life that people really believed he was capable of getting his hand to function.” It’s also made Jayne realise what Sam is capable of and the family have had to learn to stop automatically helping Sam do things, and ask his friends to stop doing things for him too.

Before going on the camp, Sam wore a hand-splint on  his affected hand to separate the fingers. Now he doesn’t wear the brace at all, and is still surprising himself by doing new things every day, such as helping his mum put tins of food into the supermarket trolley with his affected hand.

“We know that Sam’s hand will never be perfect, but we just can’t believe the difference it has made to him both on  a  practical, physical level and in terms of his self-belief. It’s been a huge turning point in his life, for which I’m very grateful,” said Jayne.

SamAged 13 from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire

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Elspeth 20

Josh 22

Angel 24

Jack 26

Tristan 28

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She’s already beginning to do more on her own after just a few days at the camp, such as putting a straw in a drink by herself, and she loves practicing the magic tricks.”

Seonaid, mother of Elspeth

Case Study20

Elspeth, 8, was referred to the camp by  her local occupational therapist. Her Mum, Seonaid, says she really enjoyed the camp and particularly enjoyed the interaction with the occupational therapists and magicians who have the knack of  making everything fun and  motivating for the children.

“Elspeth does get quite tired, but the occupational therapists and magicians are great at encouraging the children. Despite the fact that what they are learning is quite challenging there is a really positive ‘can do’ atmosphere at the camp. Learning magic tricks is a fantastic way of encouraging the children to practice the hand skills they need for everyday life,” she said.

Elspeth who has right-sided hemiplegia, has limited function in her right hand, so simple everyday tasks that require two hands can be difficult, such as doing up buttons or zips, but by the end of the camp she was able to put on her own socks and open a packet of crisps — one of her favourite treats!

Aged 8 from Lambeth, LondonElspeth

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Sam 18

Josh 22

Angel 24

Jack 26

Tristan 28

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He’s got a new found independence and determination to do things himself and it’s made me realise that I need to stop doing things automatically for him.”

Karen, mother of Josh

Case Study22

Josh attended the camp at Stepping Stones School, Surrey in summer 2013. He’s always been fascinated by magic and loves Dynamo. Josh has left sided hemiplegia: all the limbs on his left side are a lot tighter, and he sometimes has involuntary spasms.

Karen, Josh’s Mum said: “There is a real buzz at Breathe Magic camp — the magicians are really enthusiastic, as well as the staff on the occupational therapy side. Although Josh knew that the camp was to improve his dexterity and mobility, it was primarily about learning magic and having fun. He also connected with one of the junior helpers, a previous participant, which was really great.

“He’s now attempting things which he wouldn’t try on his own before — such as cutting up food on his plate. He’s got a new found independence and determination to do things himself and it’s made me realise that I need to stop doing things automatically for him.

“He’s keeping up with the practice and he now carries his magical elastic bands and a piece of string around with him in  is pocket everywhere he goes in case there’s an opportunity to show somebody his magic tricks.”

Aged 14 from Hindhead, SurreyJosh

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Sam 18

Angel 24

Jack 26

Tristan 28

Elspeth 20

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All I can say is WOW. What a difference it has made to her confidence!”

Sumira, mother of Angel

Case Study24

Angel was born prematurely at 24 weeks, suffering a  brain haemorrhage at birth, which caused cerebral palsy and a left-sided hemiplegia. She weighed just 790g and  was dependent on a life support machine and her chances of her survival were slim. “Her body was the size of a biro pen,” Angel’s mother Sumira says, reflecting on the roller coaster ride after her daughter’s birth. Eight years later Angel still has very complex medical needs plus asthma and learning difficulties but Sumira can’t stress enough what a  difference the Magic Camp made in Angel’s life.

“This was a great chance for Angel; all I can say is WOW what a difference it has made for her confidence, all the things able-bodied people take for granted like tying shoelaces or pulling up your own trousers were a constant problem for her.”

The magic camp has addressed an array of Angel’s specific therapy needs from developing fine motor skills to improving social skills and interpersonal behaviour. Since taking part in  the camps Angel can do magic tricks with both hands and it makes such a difference in her daily life.

Sumira was very pleased that the camp provided an opportunity for her to meet other parents in similar situations and exchange experiences and now finds she is  able to relate even more to the challenges Angel faces every day, “I think anything is possible whoever you are. Angel still has a long way to go but it is amazing how well she has improved, to see my little girl looking happy.”

Aged 8 from Southwark, LondonAngel

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Sam 18

Jack 26

Tristan 28

Josh 22

Elspeth 20

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His magic has enabled him to hold the attention of his friends and entertain them, and this is great for building his self-esteem — more important, we believe, than improving his physical ailments.”

Will, father of Jack

Case Study26

Jack has right-sided hemiplegia which affects the fine motor skills in his upper limb. His right leg is slightly shorter than the left, but he’s still very active, runs and plays sports. He can do most things for himself, but they take much longer to do than most other children; and things like zips on jackets are quite difficult for him. This  can be an issue at school where taking longer means he often gets left behind by the other children, although he’s never been bullied. He has some retrieval and processing issues.

Jack took part in a camp at the Stepping Stones School, in  Hindhead, Surrey in summer 2013 and in the camp in London in 2012.

Jack’s father, Will, said “He really loved showing off his skills after last year’s camp and especially straight afterwards, when it is very fresh in his mind. The follow up monthly ‘clubs’ run by the Breathe Magic team are a really good idea to help reinforce what they have learnt.” Jack knows that the camp was designed around improving his motor skills but the focus was always about learning magic and having fun rather than doing repetitive exercises. According to his dad, he was “buzzing” from the experience. Will says that taking part in the programme has not only improved Jack’s motor skills further, but also boosted his self-esteem.

“Thanks to the camp, Jack can now feed himself with his weaker hand – something he was unable to manage previously. Doing exercises at home is always a chore, but the magic tricks are something which Jack really enjoys doing. The magic doesn’t seem like therapy to the children, it’s  actually giving them a talent which the other kids don’t have at school, and that makes a massive difference to their inner confidence.”

Aged 9 from Hindhead, SurreyJack

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Sam 18

Tristan 28

Josh 22

Elspeth 20

Angel 24

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Now he’s attempting all sorts of things without my help. It’s great to see him have that determination and self-confidence to be independent.”

Kathy, mother of Tristan

Case Study28

Tristan has congenital hemiplegia which affects the right side of his body and also a shortening of his calves. He was originally totally paralysed along the whole of his right side but the most visible parts of his disability are his right arm and hand and his right leg — he walks on his toe. Until Tristan attended the Breathe Magic camp he had never come across anybody else with hemiplegia, so the initiative helped him realise that there were other children with the same difficulties.

The atmosphere on the camps is very supportive — with the children helping each other to overcome their challenges and  learn the tricks. Socially Tristan has gained more confidence thanks to the Breathe Magic experience and he’s more self-empowered now. Thanks to an introduction from the Breathe Magic team, he has now progressed onto a new hand-strengthening programme at the Evelina Children’s Hospital led by Amarlie Moore, the Senior Occupational Therapist at Breathe Magic which aims to strengthen his hand muscles and improve his dexterity further.

Kathy, Tristan’s mum said: “Breathe Magic has had a massive impact on Tristan. Learning how to perform magic tricks meant that, for the first time in his life, he could do things which his friends couldn’t even attempt to do. It also helped him realise that the limb that wasn’t very good could perform tasks which he thought were impossible if he stuck at it. Now he’s attempting all sorts of things without my help, such as putting on a hoodie and zipping it up. He has also been moved up in his reading and writing groups at school due to his new sense of self-belief. As a Mum it’s great to see him have that determination and self-confidence to be independent.”

Aged 8 from Worcester Park, SurreyTristan

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Sam 18

Josh 22

Elspeth 20

Angel 24

Jack 26

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Meet the team

Meet the team

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Dr Dido Green is an internationally recognised Occupational Therapist, Instructor and Academic. Dr Green is  Research Director at Breathe and  is  Reader in rehabilitation at Oxford Brookes University. She has over 20 years of clinical experience working with children and young people and  has worked at  various world-renowned institutions, including the Faculty of  Medicine at  Tel Aviv University and  Guy’s and  St  Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. Dr  Green has collaborated with many international organisations to  research the neuroplasticity of motor learning in  rehabilitation, and has focused on the integration of performing arts and creative media into therapy to enhance outcomes. She is a recipient of a number of grants exploring clinical applications of science. Dr Green is responsible for orchestrating the research work at Breathe.

Amarlie Moore is a Clinical Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist, who has been involved in the design and delivery of the Breathe Magic Camps programme since its inception in 2007. Amarlie graduated in Occupational Therapy in Australia in 1998 and has since specialised in working with children and young people with upper limb motor disorders, particularly hemiplegia. Amarlie also specialises in complex pain conditions including complex regional pain syndrome/reflex sympathetic dystrophy as well as functional movement disorders with pain as a central presenting feature. Based at the Evelina Children’s hospital, Amarlie works with a wide range of teams specialising in  neurodisability and orthopaedic surgery as well as high dependency and intensive care units, general wards and out-patients.

Dr Dido Green Amarlie MooreResearch Director Lead Therapist

Meet our team of highly experienced clinicians, magicians and creatives who make the magic happen…

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David Owen is a member of the Magic Circle and has been a  member since winning Young Magician of The Year when he was a  teenager. David has performed and taught magic at corporate and private events around the world as well as appearing on  television. He has been involved with Breathe Magic Camps since the start and  has played a  key role in  the programme’s development. He has a lifelong interest in using magic performance skills in  other contexts and as a way of empowering individuals and increasing their confidence. This work has led him to  be one of the founding Board of Directors at Breathe. In his ‘other’ life  David is also a  leading commercial arbitrator, mediator and barrister.

Richard McDougall is a Member of  the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star, and  a  former World Open Champion for Close-Up Magic. He has performed for clients in 30 countries, and has performed for HM The Queen on several occasions, including her Diamond Jubilee private party, which was attended by  40 Kings and Queens. Richard also creates magic for others, most notably for Derren Brown. Richard spends much of his time teaching on the impact of body language, to  the business community and  has delivered training workshops for some of the largest companies in the world. Most recently he  has been working with senior oncologists in Spain and Brazil, teaching them to deliver scientific data more effectively, while also improving awareness and inter-personal skills with their patients.

David Owen Richard McDougallLead Magician Lead Magician

Meet the team32

Yvonne FarquharsonBreathe Director

Yvonne Farquharson has 10 years’ experience working in  the creative industries and six years specialist experience designing and delivering innovative arts and health projects within the NHS and community settings. Prior to  setting up  Breathe, Yvonne worked as Performing Arts Manager at  Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity (GSTC), the largest NHS Charity in the UK, and in a variety of creative and management roles for the BBC and ITV. She has gained both national and international recognition for her work in the arts and health sector. She has published in health journals, presented at  conferences nationally and internationally and  has had her work featured in a number of television and  radio broadcasts locally, nationally and internationally.

Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health

I was incredibly impressed by the miracles worked by this small social enterprise. They tap into the curiosity every child feels about magic to create extraordinary results for disabled children in terms of manual and physical dexterity.”

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arts health research

Creative

Approaches

to Healthcare

www.breatheahr.org

info@breatheahr.orgwww.breatheahr.org

020 3290 2013facebook.com/breatheahrtwitter.com/breatheahr

All done

by kindness