Who are you?
Breathe Easy London is run by (mostly queer and Disabled) volunteers and organised by a group of seven immunocompromised / COVID-conscious Londoners who want to create spaces for members of our community to safely socialise. Organisers include Greta Mauch (she/her), Anni Movsisyan (she/they), Georgia Newman (she/her), Daniel Wagner-Hall (he/they), and three other London-based volunteers.
Why are you called Breathe Easy London?
Our good friends at Breathe Easy Sheffield have let us share the name in order to encourage COVID-conscious people other UK cities to do the same! Though we are independent of each other, Breathe Easy Sheffield and Breathe Easy London are both small community groups hosting monthly COVID-Safe socials and other one-off events. Contact us at breatheeasyldn@gmail.com if you want some help making your own!
What kind of events are you organising?
Right now, we’re hosting monthly socials that require (and provide) COVID tests, FFP2/3 masks, and HEPA air purifiers. These events include socialising, arts and crafts, games, music, and more.
We are looking to expand to film screenings, open mics, board game nights, swimming sessions, and more! Know of a venue or connection to make any of those happen? Please get in touch at breatheeasyldn@gmail.com!
Why are you organising these events?
Governments and the public have decided to abandon infection control and endanger those around them, putting already-marginalised communities at risk of Long COVID, social isolation, and death. We want to create spaces for people to socialise, find community, and have fun without putting themselves or others at risk of damage to their immune, cardiovascular, or nervous systems.
Where can I hear about Breathe Easy London events?
Check out london.breathe-easy.uk, follow us on Instagram or subscribe to our Substack newsletter to be notified about upcoming events!
How much does it cost?
Attending any of our events is completely free!! We do encourage Pay-What-You-Can tickets and accept donations at GoFundMe.com/f/covidsafeldn. Please note that it costs us $5 per person to run these events, so we encourage a $6 donation when you reserve your ticket.
To thank you for your generosity, we are offering one mask chain for every £15 donated! DM @BreatheEasyLDN on Instagram with proof of donation and we will mail you a custom mask chain or have it available for you to pick up at the events. Charms are also available for every £5 donated.
What safety measures are in place?
At all of our events we ensure the following:
All attendees and staff are required to provide proof of a negative COVID test.
All attendees and staff are required to wear an FFP2 or FFP3 mask. If you would like to attend our events and you have a mask exemption, please email breatheeasyldn@gmail.com and we can arrange a Plus Life molecular test for you.
A medical-grade HEPA filter suitable to the size of the venue is running at all times. All windows and doors are open to provide maximum air flow.
At any public events hosted by Breathe Easy London, we hire antiracist, trauma-informed security in the unlikely event of harassment.
In addition to testing negative for Covid-19, all attendees must be free from any symptoms of infection.
What accessibility measures are in place?
All venues are wheelchair accessible with a nearby wheelchair accessible toilet.
Organisers are available to greet attendees, orient them in the space, make introductions/break the ice, provide a quiet space, and answer any questions.
Standing is not required for any portion of any event.
BSL interpreters are available on request, though please give us as much notice as possible. Access requests can be sent to breatheeasyldn@gmail.com.
On request, we can provide all attendees with lip-reading FFP2 masks. Access requests can be sent to breatheeasyldn@gmail.com.
Let us know if you have any specific access needs! Email breatheeasyldn@gmail.com
What should I expect at the socials?
Attendees will be greeted and asked to provide photo proof of a negative COVID test in the last 24 hours.
If attendees don't have the opportunity to take one beforehand, they will be provided and asked to take them outside.
After confirming negative tests, attendees will be provided an FFP2/3 mask (if they do not have their own).
Attendees will be invited to socialise with other attendees at various activity tables (board games, arts and crafts, conversation prompts, etc.). They will be asked if they want an introduction to any table, and our organisers will introduce everyone.
After 20-30 minutes, we will invite guests to switch to a different activity or take a break if they wish, though this will not be required.
The social will last 2-3 hours.
Who is welcome?
Everyone! So long as you wear an FFP2/3 masks and show us proof of a negative test, you are welcome to join!
Breathe Easy London events are especially welcoming of the following groups:
Disabled people (4x higher COVID mortality rate)
People of colour (32% long COVID rate)
Women (36% long COVID rate)
Transgender people (48% long COVID rate)
Neurodivergent people (30% long COVID rate)
People with HIV (58% long COVID rate)
How can I contact Breathe Easy London?
Shoot us an email at breatheeasldn@gmail.com with any questions, access needs, partnerships, venue ideas, advice on planning COVID-safe events of your own, a review of your event to be added to our BEL-approved events list, and more!
How do I find COVID-safe events in other cities?
For events in Sheffield or to make your own Breathe Easy group, check out breathe-easy.uk. For more events, check out safeinside.co.uk or The Decolonizing Bruja’s newsletter of COVID-safer events from across the globe!