Breathworks is a not-for-profit social enterprise founded by a long-term chronic pain sufferer, offering programmes in living well with chronic pain or ill-health. Courses are based around mindfulness – the practice of bringing non-judgemental, gentle attention to the whole of our experience, pleasant and painful - and aim to reduce the distress that often accompanies chronic pain or ill-health as well as to restore greater freedom of choice and quality of life while living with a chronic health condition.

Mindfulness approaches have been the subject of a great deal of medical research over the last 30 years. Breathworks programmes are a development of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), adapted to suit the needs of those with chronic pain or illness, and are the subject of an ongoing research collaboration with the Human Pain Research Group at Manchester University and Salford Royal NHS Trust.

Breathworks are now launching a telephone-based course, aimed particularly at people who are housebound or unable to access a course locally. Courses involve weekly hour-long “conference” telephone calls, as well as CD and written material to support mindfulness practice at home. Trial course places are available over Nov 22 – Dec 17 at approximately half price, £35 including all materials (CD and booklet worth £15). (Calls to a UK land number, low cost options available if required.)

To book or find out more: contact Colin at Breathworks on 0161 834 1110, email colin@breathworks.co.uk, or see www.breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk

Testimonials from our 8-week group-based programme:

What I have learnt from the course has literally changed my life. I can do a lot more and enjoy what I am doing. SO'B (rheumatoid arthritis and MS)

I can’t thank you enough for teaching me techniques I will have all my life, which I can use anywhere. JS (arthritis of the thoracic spine)

The leaders were able to guide and support but also to take the journey alongside us. The memory of the awareness, empathy and patience with which we were treated will remain with me. CS (ME)

I feel more peaceful, more confident, and can enjoy being alive right now. I would say I am no longer waiting for light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks to Breathworks the tunnel has fallen away. AG (Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and ME)

If you choose to take part in a Breathworks course, we would love to hear your experiences. Please contact me at sally@nras.org.uk. As always, I look forward to hearing from you