Category: Community

  • The Comedy Trust launch pilot Primary Programme

    The Comedy Trust launch pilot Primary Programme

    On Monday 20th of October we visited Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School in Vauxhall, delivering a full day of ‘Well Funny’ comedy workshops, working with over 120 KS2 children.

    Made possible with funding from PH Holt Foundation – Laugh it Off Primary is a humour-based mental health programme for primary schools in Merseyside; using humour and comedy to equip children with tools to manage stress, anxiety, and adversity through the power of laughter, promoting resilience and emotional well-being in a fun, engaging and meaningful environment.

  • Raising Laughter, Raising Funds: Comedy for Wirral Mencap

    Raising Laughter, Raising Funds: Comedy for Wirral Mencap

    At The Comedy Trust, we love proving that comedy can change lives – and this time, it also raised vital funds. We recently partnered with Wirral Mencap to deliver a unique comedy programme where participants from local businesses swapped their day jobs for the comedy stage, all in support of a fantastic cause.

    Turning Business Brains into Stand-Up Stars

    Over several weeks, professionals from across the Wirral took part in our comedy workshops. Guided by The Comedy Trust’s experienced facilitator Jack Miller, they learned how to:

    • Build confidence and stage presence
    • Find the funny in everyday life
    • Craft punchlines and share their stories
    • Support one another through nerves and laughter

    Comedy with a Cause

    The programme wasn’t just about learning stand-up — it was about raising awareness and vital funds for Wirral Mencap, a charity supporting people with a learning disability and their families. Every laugh, every cheer, and every ticket sold went directly towards helping Wirral Mencap continue their incredible work in the community.

    The Big Night

    The workshops built up to a live comedy showcase, where our brave business participants took to the stage in front of colleagues, family, and friends. The result? A night filled with laughter, courage, and generosity — and an amazing fundraising boost for Wirral Mencap.

    Why We Do It

    At The Comedy Trust, we believe comedy is more than entertainment — it’s a tool for confidence, wellbeing, and community impact. By collaborating with local businesses and charities, we bring people together to laugh, learn, and give back.

    Get Involved
    If your business is looking for a unique team-building challenge that raises money for a great cause, why not step into the spotlight? Partner with The Comedy Trust and we’ll help your team go from the office to the open mic – while making a real difference.

  • NextUp Comedy Teams Up with The Comedy Trust to support young people at West Derby School

    NextUp Comedy Teams Up with The Comedy Trust to support young people at West Derby School

    NextUp Comedy is partnering with The Comedy Trust to capture the journey of our Laugh It Off students at West Derby School in Liverpool. This exciting alliance strengthens our mission to bring comedy for young people into schools and communities, while reinforcing the role of laughter in promoting mental health, confidence, and resilience.

    Comedy in Schools: Building Resilience Through Laughter

    Laugh It Off is designed specifically as a initiative to support wellbeing through comedy: using storytelling, joke writing, stand-up exercises and improvisation, the programme offers a safe, supportive space for young people to develop emotional literacy, self-esteem, and communication skills.

    Why This Partnership Matters for Liverpool Comedy Workshops & Youth Wellbeing

    By teaming up with NextUp Comedy, we are excited to showcase our impact through a compelling documentary that will be available later this year.

    • Improved confidence and self-esteem
    • Stronger communication and performance skills
    • Greater emotional resilience and reduced stress
    • Opportunities to express difficult thoughts through creative outlets

    Research and practice increasingly support the idea that humour and laughter are powerful tools in mental wellbeing programmes. The Comedy Trust’s Feeling Funny Youth programme (a sister scheme) has long used comedy in educational settings to support young people’s self-esteem and relationships. thecomedytrust.com+2UCL Press Journals+2

    What Happens in the West Derby Workshops

    Over a series of interactive workshops, students at West Derby will:

    • Be introduced to different styles of comedy, joke structure, and performance techniques
    • Participate in writing sessions, warm-ups, and improvisation games
    • Explore how humour can be used to reflect on personal experiences and emotions
    • Rehearse short routines
    • Present a final performance in a supportive environment to peers, staff, or invited guests

    This structure aligns with how other comedy-for-wellbeing programmes run in educational contexts, blending creative learning with emotional check-ins and peer dialogue.

    The Bigger Picture: Comedy for Social Impact

    More and more organisations are recognising the potential of live comedy, stand-up, and humour workshops to contribute to social impact, youth development, and community wellbeing. Live Comedy Association

    This project reinforces Liverpool’s place in the UK as a leader in comedy workshops for young people, and it also helps The Comedy Trust fulfill its mission of delivering community & education workshops in the North West — programmes that enhance mental health, confidence, and self-esteem.

    What Comes Next

    We look forward to seeing how the students at West Derby evolve over the weeks of Laugh It Off — and we can’t wait for future iterations in other schools across Liverpool and the surrounding region. In collaboration with NextUp Comedy, our hope is to stimulate more Liverpool comedy workshops for youth, strengthen school wellbeing programmes with humour, and bring laughter into the everyday lives of young people.

    Want to find out more about the Laugh It Off programme, or how your school or youth organisation can work with us? Get in touch today.

  • Comedy for Social Change Symposium – Sparking Laughter, Inspiring Action

    Comedy for Social Change Symposium – Sparking Laughter, Inspiring Action

    The Comedy Trust were thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated Comedy for Social Change event in 2024 — a bold and brilliant showcase using the power of laughter to tackle some of society’s most pressing issues.

    Featuring a diverse lineup of comedians, academics, participants and changemakers, all using humour to challenge stereotypes, spark meaningful conversations, and advocate for a better world.

    From witty observations on inequality to sharp takes on mental health, politics, and identity, Comedy for Social Change Symposium was more than just a night of entertainment — it was a call to action. 

    At The Comedy Trust, we believe that comedy has the power to break down barriers and bring people together. By using humour to explore sensitive topics, this event encouraged audiences to engage with difficult conversations in a relatable and accessible way.

    “Laughter is a powerful force for empathy and change,” said Sam Avery, Director of The Comedy Trust. “Our goal is to use comedy not just to entertain, but to empower people to think differently and act compassionately.”

  • Laugh It Off Project Continues to Inspire Schools Across the Region

    Laugh It Off Project Continues to Inspire Schools Across the Region

    The Comedy Trust is proud to celebrate the ongoing success of our Laugh It Off project, which continues to help students build confidence, develop resilience, and find their voice through comedy.

    Since its launch, Laugh It Off has reached hundreds of young people, offering interactive workshops that blend stand-up comedy with emotional well-being techniques. By encouraging students to channel their thoughts and feelings into comedic expression, the project equips them with valuable coping strategies for stress and anxiety, all while fostering creativity and boosting self-esteem.

    “It’s amazing to see how students transform over the course of the sessions,” said Kevin Coogan, Project Manager at The Comedy Trust. “At the start, some are hesitant to speak up, but by the end, they’re delivering their own comedy routines with confidence and pride.”

    Positive Feedback from Schools

    Teachers and students alike have praised the programme’s effectiveness. One teacher from West Derby shared:
    “The difference in our students has been incredible. Not only did they have fun, but they’ve also gained valuable communication skills and a new-found confidence in themselves.”

    Students have also embraced the opportunity to share their stories and experiences through humour, with many highlighting how the project has given them a fresh perspective on handling life’s challenges.

    🚀 What’s Next?

    With its continued success, Laugh It Off is set to expand to even more schools in the coming year, ensuring that more young people can benefit from this innovative and transformative programme.If you’re interested in bringing Laugh It Off to your school, get in touch with us today. Together, we can empower the next generation—one laugh at a time.

  • The Comedy Trust and West Derby School Create Documentary on Scouse Humour

    The Comedy Trust and West Derby School Create Documentary on Scouse Humour

    The Comedy Trust has teamed up with West Derby School to celebrate the city’s iconic wit with their Laugh It Off programme. Together, we’re producing a documentary exploring the essence of Liverpool humour, capturing the charm, quick wit, and unique comedic voice that makes the city famous.

    As part of the project, students worked alongside professional comedians and filmmakers, gaining hands-on experience in storytelling, interviewing, and documentary production. The film offers a heartfelt and hilarious insight into what makes Scouse humour so distinctive, featuring interviews with local comedians, residents, and even the students themselves.

    “Liverpool is renowned for its humour—it’s in our DNA,” said Sam Avery from The Comedy Trust. “This documentary is a celebration of that spirit, told through the eyes of the next generation of storytellers.”

    The Laugh It Off programme not only showcased the students’ creative talents but also provided a meaningful outlet for self-expression. Through comedy, they explored themes of resilience, identity, and the power of laughter in overcoming challenges.

    West Derby School staff praised the project for its impact on students’ confidence and creativity, as well as its role in preserving and celebrating local culture. The completed documentary will be showcased at a special screening event, giving students the chance to share their work with the community.

  • The Comedy Trust and Sandfield Park Team Up to Create Mental Health Toolkit

    The Comedy Trust and Sandfield Park Team Up to Create Mental Health Toolkit

    The Comedy Trust, in collaboration with Sandfield Park School, is bringing laughter to the forefront of mental health support with their Laugh It Off programme. This innovative initiative uses the power of comedy to help students explore and express their emotions while developing practical skills to support their wellbeing.

    As part of the programme, students at Sandfield Park are working alongside professional comedians to co-create a mental health toolkit. The resource is designed to offer practical, accessible strategies for managing mental health, all infused with the therapeutic benefits of humour.

    The toolkit includes creative exercises, lighthearted activities, and coping strategies aimed at reducing stress, building resilience, and promoting positive mental health habits. It also encourages open conversations, helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health in a safe and supportive environment.

    “Comedy is a powerful tool—it helps us express emotions, connect with others, and find light in difficult times,” said Kev Coogan from The Comedy Trust. “By empowering students to create this toolkit, we’re giving them a voice and practical ways to support their own wellbeing and that of their peers.”

    Sandfield Park staff have praised the programme for its engaging, student-led approach. The toolkit will remain a valuable resource for both students and teachers, offering a creative and effective way to navigate the challenges of mental health.The Laugh It Off programme is part of The Comedy Trust’s ongoing mission to use laughter as a force for positive change, proving that sometimes, the best medicine really is a good laugh.

  • Case Study: Olivia’s Story

    Case Study: Olivia’s Story

    Please note that her name has been changed in line with our safeguarding policies.

    My name is Olivia. I’m from Bootle, Liverpool and I’m a Comedy Trust graduate.

    I’m currently working abroad in Barcelona as part of my degree at Durham University and honestly, I can say that I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for The Comedy Trust.

    When I was 14 I was being bullied in school; I had no confidence and my grades were dropping. I was encouraged by a department called The P.O.D (Pupil Outreach Department) to take part in The Comedy Trust’s course. At first the thought of getting up on stage in front of people terrified me and to be honest I used excuse after excuse to not take part. Finally I gave in and went to the first session, but I was still an hour late. 

    But still, Sam and Stacey who ran the course welcomed everyone with open arms. It was such a great feeling knowing you belonged to a group that encouraged you to do one of the most petrifying things which is get on stage and pray that someone laughs at your jokes. 

    Once you’ve done that you feel like you can take on the world.

    Through the course I learnt the simplest but probably some of the most important skills which was how to present myself in conversation and in a room. I learnt how to manipulate language in order to get that big laugh everyone wants. I gained skills in presentation which have benefited me ever since, from class presentations to job interviews. 

    But most of all I got my confidence back.

    I learnt it wasn’t the worst thing in the world if someone laughs at you, in fact it can be one of the best feelings.

    I’ve made so many friends while taking part in the course. I made friends with people in my school from different years who normally, I would never have had the chance to speak to before. 

    Being part of the Comedy Trust has honestly been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s really shaped me as a person and has opened a passion for writing and performing comedy that I never knew I had.