We are delighted to congratulate our partner charity Breathe Arts Health Research, as their flagship programme Breathe Magic wins the NHS Innovation Challenge Award for their approach to rehabilitation.
The prize, a combination of funding and mentoring, will allow the organisation to further develop the programme for young people with hemiplegia aged seven to 19, reaching two new London boroughs and an urban and rural area outside of London. This means even more young people with hemiplegia will benefit from their work.
The innovative programme is an evidence-based initiative which uses principles of magic and sleight of hand to deliver 78-hours of one-to-one, intensive therapy to young people with hemiplegia – a debilitating weakness in one side of their body.
Robust clinical evidence shows that many participants demonstrate an 80% improvement in hand and arm function, and significant motor skill improvements are maintained six months after the programme. In addition, children and parents report improved psychological wellbeing, the building of support networks and friendships, and the need for fewer hours of support.
Yvonne Farquharson, Managing Director at Breathe shared the news with us:
“Of course, none of this would be possible without our closest friends and supporters. I cannot thank you enough for all that Pilotlight and all of you individually have done for me and for Breathe over the past year. I hope that this award makes you reflect on your involvement with Breathe and feel proud.”
It fills us with pride and admiration to see such fantastic organisations growing their services and improving the lives of more people.