Comedy-on-Prescription: Major Trials Launching to Accelerate Integration into NHS Social Prescribing Pathways by 2026
PRESS RELEASE, WEDNESDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2026
Comedy-on-Prescription: Major Trials Launching in Westminster to Accelerate Integration into NHS Social Prescribing Pathways by 2026
Westminster, London — A new phase of Comedy-on-Prescription® trials is launching at The Passage led by award-winning comedian Carly Smallman and supported by Craic Health. This initiative marks the first programme within a wider, multi-trial framework, designed to build the evidence base required for future integration into NHS social prescribing pathways by 2026, enabling comedy- and laughter-based workshops and therapy to be recognised as a safe, structured healthcare intervention.
The six-week workshop series, Stand Up and Shine, is delivered free of charge for Westminster women aged 18+ at The Passage Resource Centre, with participants invited to an optional celebratory showcase at the Royal Albert Hall in March.
Talent-led by award-winning comedian Carly Smallman, the series is funded by One Westminster via Westminster City Council’s Culture Microgrant. It combines laughter, storytelling, and creative play in a supportive, pressure-free environment. Craic Health supports the programme through structured wellbeing measurement, evaluation, and alignment with NHS social prescribing validated outcomes.
Evidence-backed impact
The new trials build on Craic Health’s Comedy-on-Prescription pilots delivered in Westminster in 2024–25, which were in partnership with One Westminster, Westminster Libraries, and Comedy-on-Prescription facilitators, with funding via Westminster City Council.
Across five pilot events:
Participants reported a 44% average uplift in mood and emotional wellbeing
98% wanted more Comedy-on-Prescription events
Over 91% said they were likely to attend future sessions
These findings demonstrate both promising wellbeing impact and clear readiness for scale. Craic Health has built a national and international Comedy-on-Prescription network designed to reduce the mental ill-health burden through prevention-first care and inform future health policy. Working with partners across the NHS, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and university research collaborators, the programme aims to establish a new, accredited professional pathway—training comedy professionals to deliver safe, evidence-led interventions in health and community settings. As AI increasingly replaces forms of creative labour such as voiceover, writing and performance, Comedy-on-Prescription defines a protected, human-centred role for comedy within care. Over the next 12 months, the ambition is to embed this model within the NHS, creating a blueprint for wider national and international adoption.
A timely intervention
Technology is ever transforming how we connect — but it is also leaving many of us feeling more disconnected, isolated and alone. Chronic loneliness, isolation and stress are rising pressures in communities everywhere.
The global outlook is stark. The World Health Organization 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 £300 billion per year — described as economically comparable to “a pandemic every year,” and around double the NHS England budget in 2022. And this is not a UK-only problem: even in sunny Australia, the Government Productivity Commission has estimated the cost of mental ill-health and suicide at around $200–$220 billion per year (around $550–$600 million per day).
In this context, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers and a formidable intervention, which people will actually engage with. Scientific research shows how arts engagement can support health and wellbeing — strengthening the case for community-based, preventative approaches such as social prescribing.
Through their engagement work, the Royal Albert Hall is aiming to inspire hope through creativity by helping young people find their confidence, connection and voice through the power of the arts, sciences and shared inspiration. The Hall will be supporting the Comedy-on-Prescription initiative by hosting a celebratory showcase event in aid of the trial’s participants March 18.
Call to Westminster women
There are limited spaces still available for eligible women residents of Westminster aged 18+. Participation is free.
Participants will be invited to complete NHS-supported wellbeing measures before and after sessions (with anonymous options available), helping to track mood changes and build the national evidence base for comedy as a preventative, community-rooted health intervention.
Quotes
Carly Smallman, Programme Lead and Comedian, 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. I’m delighted to work with Westminster women and our partners One Westminster, Craic Health, The Passage and The Royal Albert Hall.
Louisa Jackson, Founder and CEO, Craic and Craic Health, said:
“It’s said laughter is the best medicine and integrating comedy into healthcare via NHS social prescribing is no joke. Mental ill health is the defining health challenge of our time. Healthcare systems can’t afford to ignore interventions that are low-cost, preventative, and people genuinely engage with. Comedy-on-Prescription is designed to intervene early—supporting mood, confidence and social connection before people reach crisis point. Craic Health works with partners to provide the digital infrastructure needed to measure outcomes, assure quality, and align delivery with NHS social prescribing validated outcomes. Stand Up and Shine is talent-led, which is essential—we support Carly Smallman and our wider Comedy-on-Prescription network of future providers (CoPpers) to deliver safe, evidence-based sessions rooted in lived experience and community trust. Last year’s pilots delivered a 44% uplift in mood, and this next phase is about building the evidence required to scale responsibly so comedy can sit credibly alongside other prevention-first approaches within social prescribing pathways by the end of 2026. We are passionate to help the comedy industry thrive and help our communities connect and heal.”
Shelley Reynolds, CEO of One Westminster, said:
“One Westminster works with Westminster residents facing loneliness, stress and low confidence every day. Comedy-on-Prescription creates a welcoming, non-clinical way to reconnect people to their community. Thanks to the WCC Culture Microgrants, we’ve been able to fill real gaps in local support—especially for those experiencing social isolation, low mood or depression. This new creative approach has been embraced by the voluntary sector and residents alike. The outcomes from previous pilots were clear, and we’re proud to support this next phase in the national trials.”
Mick Clarke, Chief Executive of The Passage, said:
“We’re proud to support Comedy-on-Prescription at The Passage because it creates a safe, welcoming connection. Delivered in a structured and respectful way, laughter can help people feel included, supported and better able to cope. We’re delighted to partner with Carly Smallman and Craic Health on this next phase in Westminster.”
James Ainscough OBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Albert Hall, said:
“The Royal Albert Hall exists to be the home of breathtaking moments and lasting memories for everyone. We are incredibly proud to be supporting Comedy-on-Prescription by hosting a celebratory showcase which recognises participants and supports an evidence-led model with real potential to scale. This initiative really aligns with our shared values and reflects the vital role culture can play in wellbeing and belonging.”
Hannah Gorf, Senior Programme Manager for Healthy Communities and Individuals at NHS Gloucestershire, said:
“Social prescribing is about connecting people to what matters to them and recognising that creativity, laughter and community are powerful medicines in their own right. Comedy-on-Prescription is a great example of prevention-first care, offering a structured, evidence-based way to support people experiencing loneliness, low mood or low confidence. By measuring outcomes and partnering with local organisations, we can build the case for creative health to complement traditional services. We’re proud to support Craic Health in bringing these principles into the heart of the community, helping more people feel seen, supported and inspired.”
Rachel Blake, MP for Cities of London & Westminster said:
“Creative, community-led initiatives like Comedy-on-Prescription show real promise in supporting mental wellbeing locally. It’s encouraging to see strong partnerships, evidence-led delivery and ambition to scale what works.”
Simon Opher, Chair, Creative Health APPG, said:
“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.”
Media enquiries
Stand Up and Shine
Carly Smallman
Director and Founder
carly@byobcomedy.com
Craic Health
Louisa Jackson
Founder CEO
press@craic.health
One Westminster
Shelley Reynolds
+44 7551 368228
info@onewestminster.org.uk
The Passage
Kate Holyoake | Digital Marketing and Communications Manager
media@passage.org.uk
Royal Albert Hall
Chris Gillett | Press Manager
christiang@royalalberthall.co
Rachel Blake MP (Cities of London and Westminster)
rachel.blake.mp@parliament.uk
Dr Simon Opher MP (Stroud), Chair Creative Health APPG
Sufyan Ahmed | Parliamentary Assistant
sufyan.ahmed@parliament.uk
