Comedy-on-prescription trial launching in Westminster is ‘no joke’

A new phase of comedy-on-prescription trials is launching in Westminster to enable comedy workshops and therapy to be recognised as safe, structured healthcare intervention.

The six-week workshop series, Stand up and Shine, is delivered free of charge for Westminster women aged 18 or over.

The trials will be led by award-winning comedian Carly Smallman and take place at The Passage Resource Centre – a day centre for homeless and vulnerable people in Westminster – with an optional celebratory showcase at the Royal Albert Hall in March.

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This is the first programme within a wider multi-trial framework designed to build the evidence base required for future integration of comedy into NHS social prescribing pathways by 2026.

The workshops will combine ‘laughter, storytelling and creative play’ in a supportive environment, and they are being supported by Craic Health through wellbeing measurement, evaluation and alignment with NHS social prescribing validated outcomes.

There are limited spaces still available for participants to register at Craic Health.

These new trials build on Craic Health’s comedy-on-prescription pilots delivered in Westminster in 2024/25. Participants reported a 44% average uplift in mood and emotional wellbeing.

Almost all (98%) wanted more comedy-on-prescription events and over 91% said they were likely to attend future session.

These findings are promising at a time when chronic loneliness, isolation and stress are rising pressures.

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The World Health Organisation has reported projections that by 2030, depression will be the leading cause of global disease burden. In England, the economic and social costs of mental ill health are estimated at £300bn per year – around double the NHS budget in 2022.

Programme lead and comedian, Carly Smallman, said: ‘I’ve spent decades working in comedy, and I’ve seen how laughter unlocks confidence, connection and relief – especially in tough moments.

‘These workshops aren’t about being funny or performing. They’re about creating a safe, joyful space where women can reconnect with themselves and each other.’

Chair of the creative health all-party parliamentary group, Simon Opher, added: ‘Social prescribing is about meeting people where they are. Comedy engages groups who don’t always connect with traditional services, and the emerging data from these trials suggests genuine potential for this scheme to lower costs and reduce waiting list numbers if integrated within the NHS.’

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According to the founder and CEO of Craic Health, Louisa Jackson, ‘laughter is the best medicine’ and integrating comedy in NHS social prescribing is ‘no joke’.

She hopes that the new phase of trials will support mood, confidence, and social connection before people reach crisis point.