A new initiative suggests that incorporating comedy into healthcare could alleviate some of the pressure faced by the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. According to findings from initial trials of a social prescribing scheme, which featured stand-up performances and workshops, participants reported an average increase of 44 percent in their emotional wellbeing. This programme, backed by Craic Health, aims to provide an alternative to traditional treatments for individuals grappling with loneliness, isolation, and other vulnerabilities.
Dr Simon Opher, a Labour Member of Parliament (MP) for Stroud and a pioneer of social prescriptions in Gloucestershire, emphasized the importance of meeting people “where they are.” He noted, “Comedy engages groups who don’t always connect with traditional services,” suggesting that the emerging data from these trials could lead to a significant reduction in costs and waiting times if integrated into the NHS framework.
Dr Opher, who chairs the Creative Health All-Party Parliamentary Group, envisions comedy becoming a more common treatment option within the NHS, particularly for patients exhibiting mild symptoms of depression. The pilot events, conducted in London during 2024 and 2025, saw over 91 percent of attendees expressing interest in participating in future sessions.
In response to the encouraging results, Craic Health is set to launch a six-week workshop series entitled Stand Up and Shine, specifically targeting women. These sessions will be led by comedian Carly Smallman, who aims to create a “safe, joyful space where women can reconnect with themselves and each other.”
The founder of Craic Health, Louisa Jackson, stressed that the NHS “can’t afford to ignore interventions that are low-cost, preventative, and people genuinely engage with.” She asserted, “Mental ill health is the defining health challenge of our time,” and highlighted that “Comedy on prescription is designed to intervene early, supporting mood, confidence, and social connection before people reach crisis point.”
Funding for the upcoming series comes from One Westminster, which previously contributed a £5,000 grant for the initial trials. Rachel Blake, Labour MP for Cities of London and Westminster, commended the initiative, stating, “Creative, community-led initiatives like comedy on prescription show real promise in supporting mental wellbeing locally.”
The upcoming workshops are scheduled to take place at The Passage Resource Centre in Westminster, with an optional celebratory showcase at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in March. Mick Clarke, the chief executive of The Passage, expressed pride in supporting this initiative, noting that it helps create a “safe, welcoming connection” for participants.
James Ainscough, chief executive of the Royal Albert Hall, added, “We are incredibly proud to be supporting comedy on prescription by hosting a celebratory showcase which recognizes participants and supports an evidence-led model with real potential to scale.” This initiative aligns with the organization’s commitment to enhancing wellbeing and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
As the NHS continues to seek innovative solutions to improve mental health services, the integration of comedy as a therapeutic tool presents an intriguing opportunity to not only enhance patient outcomes but also to create a more inclusive healthcare environment.
