Comedy company offers mental health course

A comedy company is on a mission to combat mental health issues among men.

The Comedy Trust’s ‘Feeling Funny’ course is offering a unique approach to encourage men to become more open about their mental health by offering free stand-up comedy courses in Liverpool that aim to prove laughter really can be the best medicine.

With a focus on Mental Health Awareness Week, The Comedy Trust’s Feeling Funny comedy courses have been designed specifcally to help tackle the ongoing problem of some men not feeling able to seek support or advice when they are feeling low or experiencing a mental health issue.

Statistics show that one in four people in any given year in the UK will experience mental health issues. Men in particular are far less likely to open up about their feelings for fear of being judged or stigmatised and ONS (Office of National Statistics) records show that suicide rates are considerably higher amongst men than they are in women.

Using comedy as a vehicle, the Feeling Funny courses provide an alternative intervention for them to acknowledge that it’s okay to talk about feelings and acknowledge some of the issues but from a light hearted perspective.

The course is led by professional stand-up comedian, Sam Avery who will teach participants skills and techniques which will enable to write and perform your very own stand-up comedy routine.

Sam Avery, from The Comedy Trust, said: “The Feeling Funny courses have been a great opportunity for The Comedy Trust to develop its work around mental health and wellbeing. Having something targeted just at men is a different way from how we usually work but we recognise this kind of approach is needed to allow those men who do take part to feel less self-conscious and therefore more likely to open up.

“In all the work we do we’ve found that comedy allows people to tackle more serious and taboo topics, and talking about the issue can really help to break down the stigma and discrimination. Thanks to our funding from Liverpool Clinical Commission Group we hope we can really make a positive impact on the people who take part in our courses.”

The course concludes with a showcase performance in front of an invited audience of friends and family. Even if participants decide not to talk about mental health, they provide a creative outlet for people to express themselves and support one another through the process.

The Comedy Trust are currently recruiting for the next Feeling Funny course which starts on Tuesday May 30. To find out more, head here.