Comedy On Referral CIC

Directors Introduction This year has been one of growth, innovation, and impact for Comedy on Referral. Through the power of comedy, creativity, and connection, we have continued our mission to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and create opportunities for communities and those facing barriers to participation. Comedy remains a uniquely effective tool for building confidence, strengthening communities, and supporting mental wellbeing. Throughout the year, our programmes have provided safe and accessible spaces where participants could develop skills, share experiences, and discover their voices. We are grateful to our participants, partners, funders, volunteers, and supporters whose commitment has made this work possible. Our Mission Comedy on Referral uses comedy as a mechanism for creating opportunities for people to improve wellbeing, develop confidence, build social connections, and explore creative expression through accessible comedy programmes. Highlights of the Year During 2024-2025 we: Delivered comedy workshops across multiple locations and online. Supported disabled comedians and emerging performers. Developed partnerships with healthcare, community, and cultural organisations. Expanded opportunities for participants experiencing social isolation. Increased audience engagement through performances, showcases, and community events. Took our services to Europe to expand our reach. Impact Comedy on Referral now has over 70 5 star reviews which you can read here: Comedy On Referral - Google Maps Participants reported: Increased confidence and self-esteem. Reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation. Improved communication and presentation skills. Greater engagement with community activities. Enhanced wellbeing through creative participation. Participant feedback consistently highlighted the value of humour as a tool for resilience, self-expression, and connection. Programmes and Activities Comedy Workshops A series of structured workshops focused on stand-up comedy, storytelling, performance skills, and creative confidence. Community Engagement We worked with local organisations to ensure access to comedy activities for individuals who may not otherwise engage with arts programmes. Performances and Showcases Participants were given opportunities to perform in supportive environments, celebrating achievement and building public awareness of the programme's impact. Partnerships We continued to strengthen relationships with: Healthcare providers Social prescribing networks Disability organisations Arts and cultural partners Local authorities and community groups These partnerships have been essential in extending our reach and ensuring participants receive appropriate support. Increase the number of participants accessing comedy programmes. Develop new pathways for disabled comedians. Evidence This year we have continued to: Expand partnerships with social prescribing services. Create additional performance opportunities. Strengthen evidence gathering to demonstrate the health and wellbeing benefits of comedy. Thank You We would like to thank all participants, volunteers, partners, funders, and supporters who have contributed to the success of Comedy on Referral. Together, we continue to demonstrate that comedy is not only entertainment but also a powerful catalyst for wellbeing, confidence, and social connection. How has Comedy on Referral helped the community this year? This year our work was commissioned by several community organisations to use comedy to help communities work through trauma. Clients this year included Active Recovery Active Recovery Based at The South mead project in Bristol, they provide long-term trauma counselling and support for adult survivors of sexual and historic abuse in Bristol and the surrounding areas. They specialize in breaking the cycle of trauma and addiction and also provide community-based recovery activities. Comedy on Referral showed 12 of their clients how to use comedy to reframe past experiences. Allright mate Jest for Men, is run by Alright Mate?, a Devon-based arts organisation that supports men’s mental health and wellbeing through creative workshops, activities and events. We delivered an 8-week comedy course to men in Exeter to help them with their mental health recovery. They also had a showcase of their first 5 minute sets which was a great success. Estonia Visit Comedy on Referral had an extra exciting year this year, as our work finally went international as we were invited to share our work in Europe, as part of the European Capital of Culture celebrations in Estonia. 6 of our clients and Founder Angie Belcher were invited by NGO Peaasjad (Head Matters, in English) a charity in Tartu, which was established in 2009 by mental health specialists working for the Psychiatry Clinic of North Estonia Medical Centre The team now consists of qualified mental health specialists, youth workers, ICT specialists etc. Their main objectives are to raise the currently low awareness of mental health, address stigmatisation of psychiatric illnesses and to improve accessibility to mental health services by referring young people to appropriate help. Comedy on referral were invited to speak at their mental Health in employment conferences, provide workshops for their woman’s improv group and to do 2 gigs to show case our NHS work ( The Men’s Minds Matter project at The Comedy Store through Rethink) The gigs sold out and the men’s comedy sets were a great success. This year we also got a new website, and a google prescence, so that more people can find out about us and use our services Awards Health Services Journal Awards- best mental health relationship with the NHS -Gold. Prestige- Best Comedy Coaching company in South of England.