The Humour Foundation (THF) is a national charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of vulnerable Australians. Our vision is to bring laughter where is it unexpected, yet most needed.

Co-founded in 1997 by the late Dr Peter Spitzer, it draws on international research that reveals the physiological and psychological benefits of humour therapy to relieve fear, pain and the ill-effects of social isolation. Research* reveals this includes the:

• cognitive effect (distraction from medical procedure)
• physiological effect (release of endorphins stimulate immune system, lower heart rate/blood pressure, reduce pain)
• social effect (improving engagement)
• emotional effect (inducing positive emotions, reducing anxiety)
• psychological effect (supports mental health, builds resilience)

Our two core programs involve purpose-trained performers collaborating with medical/healthcare professionals:

• Clown Doctors (est. 1997), which supports children/young people in hospital and/or palliative care. Watch a video snapshot of this work here.

• Laughter Care (est. 2011), which supports older people in aged care facilities or hospitals – many of whom live with dementia and whose quality of life is impacted by social isolation. Watch a video snapshot of this work here.

In FY24, The Humour Foundation proudly supported over 295,837 children, carers, older individuals, and hospital staff through our programs. In ACT this represented 12,653 people.

THF relies 100% on philanthropic support and does not receive government funding. The program is provided at no costs to hospitals.

*(Srikharan, K, 2016)