What Breathworks does

Breathworks is a UK-registered charity and Community Interest Company (CIC) founded in 2001 by Vidyamala Burch, headquartered in Manchester. It delivers evidence-based mindfulness training with a specific specialization in chronic pain, illness, and stress management via a proprietary Mindfulness-Based Pain Management (MBPM) methodology that combines traditional mindfulness practice with contemporary pain science. The organization reports 100,000+ lives transformed since inception, 10,000+ members on its Community of Practice platform (available via web and iOS/Android apps), and 700+ accredited teachers operating across 41 countries.

The product portfolio comprises structured 8-week courses (Mindfulness for Health, Mindfulness for Stress, HEALS Wellness Programme), 6-week advanced courses (Going Deeper, Evolving Awareness, Mindful Drawing), a multi-stage Teacher Training pathway with MBSR/MBCT Conversion, Mindfulness Facilitator and Accreditation programmes, CPD events and recordings, and a Mindfulness for Long Covid course co-developed with University College London. Workplace offerings include bespoke programmes for NHS trusts, healthcare organizations, corporates (Google), emergency services (ERSOU), and prisons (HMP Wymott), with documented outcomes including 85% better pain management, 80% improved quality of life, 77% reduction in depression/anxiety, and a claimed £5.76 ROI per £1 invested.

Breathworks operates a hybrid revenue model spanning individual course fees (with concessionary pricing and 1/3 of places funded by bursaries), multi-stage teacher training, bespoke B2B workplace contracts, CPD event sales, charitable donations, and a tiered Community Patron monthly subscription (£5/£10/£20). The go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer online booking, enterprise field sales for NHS and corporate accounts, and a community-led acquisition funnel anchored by free taster sessions, weekly Space to Breathe sessions, and the free Community of Practice platform. The organization is a founding member of BAMBA, holds NICE Guidance recommendation, NHS Reading Well endorsement, and founder OBE recognition.

Name

Breathworks

Legal name

Breathworks CIC

Website

https://breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

UK-registered non-profit founded in 2001 delivering evidence-based mindfulness training specialized in chronic pain, illness, and stress management to individuals, NHS/healthcare organizations, and global enterprises via 8-week courses, teacher training, and a free community platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mindfulness Training and Wellness Education

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114)

akta.pro primary industry

Meditation Apps, Digital Courses & Online Communities (HSADAJAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mindfulness-Based Coaching & Training (MBSR/MBCT-style) (HSADAJAB), Meditation Retreats, Workshops & Immersive Programs (HSADAJAF), Mindfulness, Meditation & Stress Management Education (EDAAAHAD), Mindfulness, Stress Management & Resilience Training (EDAMAIAD)

Keywords

• Mindfulness training
• Pain management
• Stress reduction
• Teacher training
• Workplace wellbeing

Headquarters

HQ city

Manchester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Course Fees: Individual consumers pay for 8-week mindfulness courses (Mindfulness for Health, Mindfulness for Stress, HEALS), workshops, and retreats. Pricing includes standard and concessionary rates.
2. Teacher Training Programmes: Revenue from Stage 1 and Stage 2 teacher training modules, bundle packages, and conversion training for MBSR/MBCT teachers. Includes accreditation fees.
3. Workplace Training: Bespoke mindfulness programmes sold to NHS trusts, healthcare organizations, corporations, and public sector. Includes introductory sessions, workplace courses, facilitator training, and leadership programmes.
4. Donations & Charitable Support: Registered charity accepting donations, monthly giving (£20/month suggested), Community Patron programme, legacy gifts, and community fundraising.
5. Community Patron Programme: Monthly subscriptions at £5, £10, or £20/month to support the Community of Practice platform. Supports 10,000+ members worldwide.
6. CPD Events & Recordings: Continuous Professional Development workshops and recordings for qualified mindfulness teachers. Past CPD recordings available to purchase and download.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Breathworks provides structured mindfulness courses, workshops, and retreats targeting chronic pain, illness, and stress. It delivers a multi-stage teacher training pathway to certify Breathworks mindfulness teachers globally, and operates a dedicated workplace wellbeing division delivering bespoke programmes to NHS trusts, healthcare organisations, corporations, and public sector bodies. A free Community of Practice platform supports 10,000+ members with ongoing practice, resources, and community connection.

Product overview

Breathworks is a UK-based mindfulness charity offering a comprehensive portfolio of mindfulness courses, training programmes, and workplace wellbeing services focused on pain, illness, and stress management. The core offering consists of structured 8-week programmes (Mindfulness for Health, Mindfulness for Stress, and HEALS Wellness Programme) and 6-week advanced courses (Going Deeper, Evolving Awareness, and Mindful Drawing). The organisation provides a multi-level teacher training pathway including Mindfulness Facilitator Training, a two-stage Teacher Training Programme, and MBSR/MBCT Conversion Training for qualified teachers. Workplace services include tailored organisational programmes, NHS/healthcare training, and leadership development. A free Community of Practice platform (available via web and mobile apps) provides ongoing resources, live practice sessions, and community connection. The product ecosystem is completed by free introductory sessions, meditations, retreats, workshops, and CPD opportunities for qualified teachers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Mindfulness for Health Course An 8-week mindfulness-based course designed to help individuals manage chronic pain, fatigue, and other challenging health symptoms through evidence-based meditation, mindful movement, and pacing techniques. Suitable for people living with long-term health conditions.
• Mindfulness for Stress Course An 8-week mindfulness-based course helping individuals manage stress and anxiety and build greater resilience through foundational mindfulness skills and compassion training.
• HEALS Wellness Programme An 8-week course blending awareness and compassion training with tiny habit methodology to create lasting behaviour change for health and wellbeing.
• Going Deeper Course A 6-week online course for advancing meditation practice and working through challenges with a personal mentor, designed for aspiring mindfulness practitioners and experienced meditators.
• Evolving Awareness Course A 6-week exploration of pure awareness, also called 'natural' or 'effortless' mindfulness, for deepening meditation practice.
• Mindful Drawing: Connecting With Nature A 6-week self-study course using drawing as a gateway into present-moment awareness, combining guided meditations with drawing practices using nature as the subject.
• Breathworks Retreats Immersive retreat experiences including residential in-person retreats (e.g., annual hybrid retreat at Adhisthana in September) and online practice days for deepening mindfulness practice, led by Vidyamala Burch and Padmadarshini.
• Workshops Various workshops including Navigating Low Mood, Mindful Movement, and other specialist topics for different experience levels.
• Community of Practice Platform A free online mindfulness hub providing access to regular live practice sessions, resources, meditations, and community connection, available as a web platform and mobile apps for iOS and Android with 10,000+ members worldwide.
• Mindfulness Facilitator Training Training programme for individuals to become certified Breathworks Facilitators able to deliver short mindfulness workshops to clients, colleagues, friends and family.
• Teacher Training Programme A comprehensive two-stage teacher training pathway for qualifying as an accredited Breathworks mindfulness teacher, including modules on Going Deeper, Teaching Skills, Mindful Movement, Advanced Training, and Practise Course.
• MBSR/MBCT Conversion Training Conversion pathway for MBSR or MBCT teachers to expand their teaching to include mindfulness-based pain and illness management, enabling fast-track progression to Stage 2 of Breathworks Teacher Training.
• Mindfulness for Workplaces Tailored workplace programmes for organisations including introductory sessions, evidence-based mindfulness courses, mindfulness champion training, and Mindful & Compassionate Leadership courses, with bespoke programme development and ROI reporting.
• NHS & Healthcare Professional Training Specialist mindfulness training programme designed for NHS trusts and healthcare professionals, providing long-term low-cost wellbeing solutions.
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) CPD opportunities for qualified mindfulness teachers including specialist workshops and a library of past CPD event recordings for deepening practice and teaching skills.
• Mindfulness for Long Covid A free course developed in collaboration with University College London designed to support those recovering from long Covid.
• Mindfulness Teacher Accreditation Accreditation programme for Breathworks-trained teachers, with options for teacher supervision and inclusion in the global accredited teacher directory.
• Self-guided Courses A range of self-guided mindfulness courses that can be taken at the participant's own pace, suitable for both new and experienced practitioners.

Quantifiable outcome

• 85% of Mindfulness for Health course participants were better able to manage their health condition
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NHS TrustscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnerships with NHS trusts including Homerton NHS Trust, Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield IAPT, and Tower Hamlets Together. Breathworks provides mindfulness training for staff wellbeing and patient care with documented outcomes including 9.1/10 satisfaction rates.
• Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounter-terrorism unit received mindfulness training for leadership development. 100% of leaders reported lasting positive change. Demonstrates workplace applicability across government sectors.
• HMP Wymott PrisonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrison staff mindfulness training and champions programme for sustainable staff wellbeing. Shows reach into public sector beyond healthcare.
• GooglecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partnership providing advanced mindfulness training building on Google's Search Inside Yourself programme. Demonstrates enterprise credibility beyond healthcare.
• University College LondoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration to develop Mindfulness for Long Covid course, designed to support those recovering from long Covid. Academic partnership adds research credibility.
• British Association of Mindfulness-Based Approaches (BAMBA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding member of BAMBA, the UK network of mindfulness-based teacher training organisations. Breathworks training is subject to BAMBA rules and standards.
• British Pain SocietycoreOthersVidyamala Burch received honorary membership to British Pain Society for pioneering work. Provides medical credibility and endorsement for mindfulness approach to pain management.
• AdhisthanaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRetreat venue for annual hybrid retreats. Located in the UK, provides residential retreat capacity complementing online delivery.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Emerging players

• Mindful Schools: Mindful Schools is a non-profit offering mindfulness curriculum, teacher training, and SEL resources primarily to K-12 educators. Overlaps with Breathworks' teacher training business and education-focused mindfulness delivery, though focused on a different customer segment.

Direct peers

• Smiling Mind: Smiling Mind is an Australian not-for-profit mindfulness app offering free programs for adults, children, and workplaces. Comparable to Breathworks' mission-driven, non-profit structure and digital mindfulness delivery model.
• Palouse Mindfulness: Palouse Mindfulness offers online MBSR teacher training and courses, founded by MBSR veterans. Comparable to Breathworks' Teacher Training Pathway and MBSR/MBCT Conversion Training, serving the same teacher accreditation market.
• 10% Happier: 10% Happier is a meditation app focused on sceptics and stress reduction, with courses and corporate offerings. Comparable to Breathworks in the stress-management positioning and workplace wellbeing category.
• Waking Up: Waking Up is a meditation and mindfulness app combining practice with philosophical content. Comparable to Breathworks' Evolving Awareness and Going Deeper advanced practice offerings, and similarly emphasises depth over volume.
• Calm: Calm is a major meditation and sleep app with guided content, masterclasses, and Calm Health for healthcare. Overlaps with Breathworks on mindfulness content delivery and workplace wellbeing, and operates at substantially larger scale.
• Headspace: Headspace is a leading consumer mindfulness and meditation app offering guided sessions, courses, and workplace wellbeing programmes. Directly comparable to Breathworks in the mindfulness subscription category, with significantly greater scale and VC funding.
• Happify: Happify is a digital mental wellness platform with science-based activities and programmes. Comparable to Breathworks in evidence-based wellbeing outcomes and B2B2C delivery through health plans and employers.
• Oxford Mindfulness Centre: Oxford Mindfulness Centre is a research and training institution at the University of Oxford offering MBCT teacher training and the workplace programme Myriad. Highly comparable to Breathworks' teacher training pathway and NHS-adjacent positioning, and a fellow BAMBA member.
• Insight Timer: Insight Timer is the world's largest free meditation community with millions of users and a marketplace for teachers. Closely comparable to Breathworks' Community of Practice model and teacher-led content approach, and is a major distribution competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/BreathworksMindfulness
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/breathworks-cic
• Instagraminstagram.com/breathworks_mindfulness
• Xx.com/breathworksmind

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Breathworks