What Is Comedy On Prescription?
1. What is Comedy on Prescription?
Comedy on Prescription is a therapeutic approach that uses the process of writing, performing and understanding stand-up comedy to support people dealing with trauma, mental health challenges, and difficult lived experiences.
In 2022 Angie Belcher and her team at Comedy on Referral were the first to get Comedy prescribed by doctors in the NHS and also to get suicide prevention comedy courses funded by the NHS.
2. What is Comedy on Prescription and how does it differ from traditional therapy?
Unlike conventional talking therapies, Comedy on Prescription combines psychology, creative writing, body work and comedy theory to help people process their experiences in a new, empowering way – making it a uniquely accessible route into mental health support.
3. What is Comedy on Prescription and who is it for?
Comedy on Prescription is designed for anyone experiencing trauma or mental health difficulties, including survivors of abuse, people at risk of suicide, and those referred through NHS and social prescribing services.
4. What is Comedy on Prescription on the NHS?
Comedy on Prescription was first funded and prescribed by the NHS in 2020, making Comedy on Referral CIC the pioneers of the world’s first NHS co-produced comedy course – originally delivered for men at risk of suicide at The Comedy Store in London.
5. What is Comedy on Prescription and do I need to be funny to take part?
Absolutely not! No prior comedy experience is needed. The courses are structured to help everyone find their own voice and their own funny in a safe, warm and supportive environment – however shy you might feel at the start.
How Does Comedy on Referral Work?
6. How does Comedy on Referral work and what is the course structure?
Comedy on Referral runs a 10-week programme that takes participants step by step through the skills needed to write and perform a 5-minute comedy set, covering everything from finding your comedic persona to performing on stage with confidence.
7. How does Comedy on Referral work to improve mental health and wellbeing?
Research shows that laughter reduces cortisol – the body’s main stress hormone — and boosts endorphin production, increasing feelings of happiness and reducing pain. The course harnesses these effects by combining the therapeutic power of comedy with structured group support and personal storytelling.
8. How does Comedy on Referral work for people with trauma or difficult experiences?
The course gently guides participants to explore their lived experiences through a comedic lens, transforming difficult stories into ones of validation and redemption. Angie works with each person individually to help them find the funny in their story at a pace that feels safe and comfortable.
9. How does Comedy on Referral work and what skills will I come away with?
Beyond the comedy itself, participants gain highly transferable skills including public speaking, presentation writing, networking, confidence in interviews and an improved ability to connect with others – benefits that last long after the course ends.
10. How does Comedy on Referral work online?
Comedy on Referral offers online courses that deliver the same structured 10-week programme virtually, making it accessible to people across the UK who are unable to attend in person.
11. How does Comedy on Referral work for organisations and charities?
Comedy on Referral works with NHS trusts, charities, schools, drama organisations and corporate clients to design and deliver bespoke comedy-based interventions. Previous partners include Rethink Mental Illness, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, the University of Bristol and Salisbury NHS Trust.
Do I Need to Contact My GP?
12. Do I need to contact my GP to access Comedy on Prescription?
You don’t necessarily need to go through your GP. While Comedy on Referral CIC works with NHS services and social prescribers, you can also self-refer by contacting Comedy on Referral directly via their website or by phone.
13. Do I need to contact my GP, or can I self-refer to a Comedy on Prescription course?
Self-referral is very welcome. Simply get in touch with Comedy on Referral CIC at http://comedyonreferral.com/contact-us/ or call +44 (0)7733 298 378 to find out about upcoming courses and availability in your area or online.
14. Do I need to contact my GP and is Comedy on Prescription free?
The cost varies depending on how you access the course. Some courses are funded through NHS or social prescribing routes and may be available at no cost to participants. Contact Comedy on Referral directly to find out about funded and paid options.
15. Do I need to contact my GP and is Comedy on Prescription suitable for severe mental health conditions?
Comedy on Referral has worked successfully with people experiencing a wide range of mental health challenges, including trauma survivors and individuals at risk of suicide. If you have any concerns about suitability, the team are happy to have a confidential conversation before you commit to anything.
Where can I learn more about Comedy On Prescription ?
16. Are there any articles i can read about Comedy On Prescription?
Yes there are several articles published including:
Are you having a laugh? Why NHS doctors will soon be prescribing a dose of comedy
Comedy on ‘prescription’: Why performing stand-up is good for your health
Bristol Live – NHS in Bristol to prescribe comedians to help patients struggling with trauma