Innovative asthma arts project helps London children
18 August 2009

An Asthma UK-funded project has helped children, young people and their families work together to better understand and manage their condition.

The innovative arts based project, Planet Asthma was delivered through a number of healthy living centres, primary schools and GP practices in Bow, East London.

Children, young people, their families, as well as school teachers and health professionals explored themes around asthma, its causes, and management techniques.

A series of art pieces were produced and exhibited in the venues where the project took place while the project was also captured through a video diary filmed by the young people. A Planet Asthma website was also created.

The project was supported by Asthma UK through a dedicated donation from Pfizer UK Foundation.

This support has also made possible the publication of a book, ‘Art & Activity’ that captures the project and can be used to support teachers and healthcare professionals in schools, community centres and primary care settings who may be interested in replicating the project.

Yvonne Coughlan, Project Coordinator and Practice Nurse at the Bromley by Bow Centre said: ‘Funding from Asthma UK and the Pfizer UK Foundation enabled our team to develop an innovative asthma education project that used art and exercise to empower children, young people and their families.

‘The project also inspired schools and health centres to develop their health education work, incorporating art and exercise as a means of communicating about asthma to those with asthma and a wider audience.

‘Through the Planet Asthma website, Planet Asthma Art and Activity book and the growing number of requests to give support to other organisations, our team is now working to enable others to learn from our positive experience.’

This project is one of many to have been supported by Asthma UK Challenge Fund.

If you are interested in attending or hosting an in depth seminar on Planet Asthma at the Bromley by Bow centre, please call Vanessa Barker on 0208 709 9714 or email vanessab@bbbc.org.uk. Alternatively, more information can be found at the Bromley by Bow website