Breathworks Foundation

Who we are

We are a global charity, based in Manchester, that gives people living with pain, stress, and illness the mindfulness-based tools to lead more fulfilling lives. Our story began 23 years ago, when Vidyamala Burch OBE (best selling author, speaker & disability advocate) launched the first ever mindfulness-based pain management programme, which has since transformed the lives of thousands worldwide. 

Our culture and values

We’re known for ‘walking the talk’, creating a warm, safe and supportive environment for staff by bringing a mindful and compassionate attitude to everything we do. 

Breathworks grew out of our Founders’ wish to help people who are suffering through pain, illness and other stressful life challenges, through sharing mindfulness and compassion rooted in their decades of Buddhist practice.  We have since grown into a diverse team, united by our shared organisation values of:

• Generosity - in working to benefit our clients, we support the social mission of the organisation.

• Ethics - we seek to work as an ethical organisation, acting throughout the organisation with kindness, honesty and awareness.

• Personal Development - we aim to support the personal development of all employees, from skills training to supporting spiritual practice.

• Creative Teamwork - we aim to collaborate in ways that draw on the creativity and skills of team members to achieve the aims of the organisation.

• Commercial Viability - our Charity aims to be financially robust and sustainable to enable us to accomplish our goals.