Help + FAQs

Comedy-on-Prescription (CoP) is a model of social prescribing—which means it's a structured, replicable way of delivering support through community-based comedy.

Instead of only focusing on medicine or clinical treatment, social prescribing looks at the bigger picture.

CoP uses laughter to build confidence, improve emotional wellbeing, and foster human connection—particularly for those experiencing mental ill-health, chronic loneliness, or disconnection.

By combining the science of laughter with the artistry of comedy, CoP offers a clear, step-by-step approach that can be delivered across different settings—from libraries and shelters to health services and workplaces. It’s not just a one-off idea—it’s a system designed to uplift and empower people through joy, shared experience, and positive social interaction.

Social prescribing is often supported by link workers, GPs, or community connectors, who help people find the right support for their needs.

Comedy-on-Prescription is not a cure or a clinical treatment. It’s a supportive tool that complements professional care—helping to lift mood, build confidence, and reconnect with others through laughter and shared experience.

We can’t promise you’ll laugh out loud. Over time, regular sessions can help you relax, feel more connected, and open up to joy—even if you arrive feeling low.

If you're concerned about your mental health or that of someone you care about, please speak to a GP or qualified mental health professional.

Research shows that social laughter is contagious and triggers positive responses in your brain, even if you’re not laughing out loud.

• A PET brain-scan study found that participants watching friends laugh released endorphins during passive observation of laughter, not just active laughing.

• This is called emotional contagion—it means your brain picks up on other people’s feelings. So when you see or hear people laughing, your brain can start to feel happy too—even if you don’t laugh or say anything yourself.

• After a bout of laughter, your body often enters a relaxed state. Heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension drop.

In plain terms: even if you’re quiet or ‘not into it’, being around laughter promotes a group sense of wellbeing and nudges your brain toward relaxation and feel-good chemistry.

Visit our evidence page for more information.

No, you're not.

Feelings of loneliness, disconnection and stress are more common than ever—especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, cost of living pressures, ongoing wars and other social shifts and issues which have left many people feeling isolated or emotionally overwhelmed.

Mental health issues now affect millions across the world, often silently.

• “It is projected that by 2030 mental health problems (particularly depression) will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally.” — WHO Global burden of mental disorders (2011).

• “Mental ill health costs society £300 billion every year… comparable, economically, to having a pandemic every year.” — Centre for Mental Health, commissioned by the NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network (2024)

You are not alone with mental ill-health—and you don’t have to go through it alone either. Social prescribing / Comedy-on-Prescription is one way to reconnect, rebuild confidence, and feel the lift that comes from laughing with others. It’s not a magic fix—but it is a good place to start.

Comedy-on-Prescription is open to everyone. Events and workshops are designed for a wide range of communities, with tailored formats to meet different needs. These include:

• Alcohol-free and recovery communities

• Children, students and young people at risk (NEET)

• Faith-based and ethnically diverse communities

• Healthcare and frontline workers

• LGBTQ+ communities

• Men’s and women’s groups

• New parents and those affected by post- or pre-natal depression

• Non-English speaking audiences

• Older adults

• People experiencing homelessness or temporary accommodation

• People with disabilities

• Refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants

• Teachers, educators, carers and social workers

• Teens and young adults

• And more…

No comedy experience is needed—just a willingness to show up and share in the moment.

For more on the science behind CoP, visit our evidence page. And if you're unsure whether this is right for you, we encourage you to speak with your GP or a social prescriber.

No referral is needed, but you can be referred by your GP or social prescriber .

You can join directly, or be introduced by a friend, family member, colleague local support worker, charity, housing provider, library or community group.

All Comedy-on-Prescription events and venues are selected with accessibility in mind, including offering free and affordable events.

Most in-person sites have step-free access, accessible toilets, and clear travel information + there are also several online events to explore.

If you have specific access needs (including sensory or communication support), let your facilitator know and they’ll do their best to accommodate you.

Craic Health launched in 2024 - we are on the road to integrating Comedy-on-Prescription into NHS policy.

In these early days, we’re currently limiting our events to professionals and businesses who have been recommended to us or with a proven track record in laughter therapy or comedy related workshops, events or experiences.

We believe everyone to be friendly, supportive, and experienced. CoP might include storytelling, stand-up exercises, improvisation, writing games and more. The focus is on joy, connection, and having a laugh—not performance or pressure.

Absolutely. You don’t need to be “funny” or have any comedy experience. This isn’t about being a comedian—it’s about using humour to feel better, meet people, and build confidence at your own pace.

Sessions are run in trusted community spaces like libraries, community centres, shelters, local hubs and comedy clubs.

Corporate or private CoP events can be booked at your office or other locations. Please enquire with the facilitator directly.

Yes, you can refer someone to our site generally or to the Events and Facilitators page.

In our pilot, participants saw an almost 44% average improvement in wellbeing scores (the average social prescribing figure is 36%).

91% said they’d attend again, and 98% wanted more events.

People reported feeling uplifted, more connected, and more confident.

Yes—we’d like that. We welcome expressions of interest from the comedy industry, charities, local groups, NHS teams, sponsors and funders.

Visit our contact page.

Visit our Events & Facilitators page and scroll to the bottom—you’ll find contact details for all listed professionals and partner organisations. You’re welcome to reach out to them directly for bookings, collaborations or questions.

Please note, advertised events are for the public — private events will likely incur a more expensive fee.

Craic Health is part of Craic™, the leader in comedy innovation.

The comedy industry is a dynamic ecosystem, made up of thousands of diverse individuals and businesses - from grassroots entertainers and talent agents to established venues, crews, and production houses.

Craic exists to technically support and advocate for the industry, with a mission to make comedy and laughter more accessible. More than just entertainment, comedy and laughter are powerful tools for mental well-being. By fostering positive connections and uniting communities, our aim is to help make life more enjoyable for all.

Because its GP said it needed more egg-sposure to live comedy. Even chickens need a cluckin' laugh.