Category: Community

  • Laugh It Off Continues

    Laugh It Off Continues

    Bringing Humour and Resilience to Primary Schools

    The Comedy Trust is delighted to announce the next chapter of its award-winning Laugh It Off programme, continuing the legacy of a three-year project that explored the role of humour in Liverpool’s resilience, heritage and wellbeing.

    Following the successful conclusion of the National Lottery Heritage Fund Laugh It Off project in March 2026, The Comedy Trust is now bringing its unique approach into primary schools across Merseyside, helping children develop confidence, resilience and positive mental wellbeing through comedy and laughter.

    Funded by the PH Holt Foundation, Laugh It Off – Primary Schools will engage 180 children aged 4–11 across Primary Schools in the Liverpool City Region, delivering a series of interactive workshops that use stand-up comedy, storytelling and performance to support emotional wellbeing and personal development.

    Building Confidence Through Comedy

    Humour can be a powerful way of helping children navigate life’s challenges. Through creative, participatory sessions, children will learn practical techniques to manage stress, anxiety and setbacks while developing confidence, communication skills and self-expression.

    The programme will also provide safe and inclusive spaces where children can explore emotions, strengthen friendships and build self-esteem through shared creative experiences.

    Continuing the Legacy of Laugh It Off

    The original Laugh It Off project demonstrated how humour can bring people together, support wellbeing and strengthen communities. As that three-year programme reached its conclusion, The Comedy Trust was committed to ensuring its impact continued.

    Laugh It Off – Primary Schools builds on that foundation by applying the project’s learning in educational settings, giving young people the opportunity to benefit from the positive role humour can play in their everyday lives.

    Researching the Impact of Humour

    A key element of the programme is a partnership with the Comedy for Social Change Network, which will help guide evaluation of the impact of humour-based approaches on children’s wellbeing, resilience and communication skills. The project will contribute to a growing evidence base around the value of creativity and laughter in education.

    Looking Ahead

    Over the coming months, the programme will deliver 36 workshops, introduce children to humour-based wellbeing techniques, and create opportunities for young people to celebrate their achievements through performance.

    The Comedy Trust hopes the project will help children reduce stress and anxiety, develop positive coping strategies, increase confidence and resilience, and improve emotional wellbeing.

    As one chapter closes and another begins, Laugh It Off continues to show that humour is far more than entertainment—it can be a powerful tool for learning, connection and resilience.

  • Community Partnership Delivers Confidence Boosting Workshop

    Community Partnership Delivers Confidence Boosting Workshop

    The Comedy Trust and Thrive CIC have teamed up once again with Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP) to deliver a community partnership aimed at building confidence and resilience.

    The partnership brings together The Comedy Trust with Thrive CIC, a community-focused organisation that provides a safe space and support services for young people navigating employment and life challenges.

    Funded as part of MVRP’s broader mission to prevent violence and create safer communities, the programme offers tailored workshops that focus on strengthening confidence, resilience and life skills among participants. MVRP adopts a public health approach to violence reduction, working with multi-agency partners to address root causes and support young people’s positive development.

    Amy (Thrive CIC), “A big thank you to Cheryl for the session last week. She built trust very quickly for young people to open up. It made impact on one particular young lad who fed back to his support worker that he really valued the workshop. This programme we’ve built with MVRP has been a big part of his development.”

    The initiative underscores the value of community collaboration in empowering young people and preventing social exclusion across the Liverpool City Region.

  • Men’s Health Comedy Course Launches in Liverpool

    Men’s Health Comedy Course Launches in Liverpool

    The Comedy Trust are excited to announce a brand-new 12 week men’s health comedy course in North Liverpool.

    Sessions are at Rotunda College in partnership with North Liverpool Lives and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) as part of their ReCite Programme. This unique programme brings together creativity, confidence-building, and community connection through the power of comedy.

    A Comedy Course with a Difference

    This isn’t just about telling jokes. The Comedy Trust’s courses are known for helping people develop:

    • Confidence and self-esteem
    • Communication and performance skills
    • Creative writing and storytelling ability
    • Social connection and teamwork
    • Resilience and positive wellbeing

    Delivered over 12 weeks, the course will guide male participants from first ideas to performing their own original comedy material. All in a supportive, celebratory setting.

    Rooted in the North Liverpool Community

    Hosting the course at Rotunda College makes it accessible to people in North Liverpool, an area rich in humour. By working alongside local partners and community networks, The Comedy Trust continues to make training available to people from all backgrounds.

    Comedy has long been part of Liverpool’s identity. This course taps into that tradition while creating new opportunities for local voices to be heard.

    Partnership with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

    We’re proud to be working with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Helping to recognise the growing understanding that creativity, laughter, and social connection can play a powerful role in overall wellbeing.

    Research shows that creative group activities – especially those involving humour – can help reduce stress, build confidence, and strengthen social bonds. This course blends those benefits with professional comedy training developed by The Comedy Trust over more than two decades.

    Who Is This Course For?

    This men’s health comedy course is ideal for:

    • Complete beginners curious about stand-up comedy
    • People looking to improve confidence and communication skills
    • Anyone interested in creative writing and performance
    • Individuals wanting to meet new people in a relaxed, friendly setting
    • Those seeking a positive boost to their mental wellbeing through creativity

    No previous comedy or performance experience is needed — just a willingness to give it a go.

    Learn Stand-Up Comedy in a Supportive Environment

    Participants will explore joke writing, storytelling, stage presence, and performance techniques, all guided by experienced Comedy Trust tutors. Sessions are fun, interactive, and designed to help everyone progress at their own pace.

    By the end of the 12 weeks, learners will have the chance to share their material in a live showcase. These final events offer a huge confidence boost and celebration of everything they’ve achieved.

  • 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.