A charity centre in Church Crescent, is launching an eight-week ‘Laughter Therapy’ programme on 11 November.
The programme at Prideaux House will be led by certified laughter-coach Claudia Wazziczek and aims to improve the mental wellbeing of local residents.
Estelle Wilson, manager of Prideaux House, said: “We have been hoping to employ some alternative mental health support methods…When Claudia approached us, it felt like a really positive coincidence.”
Laughter Therapy, which Claudia described as “a unique concept,” combines the breathing, movement and playfulness found within laughter to boost mood and eventually shift people’s perspective.
“Laughter is more than just a reaction to humour,” Claudia said. “It’s a physical and emotional tool. Even pretending to laugh completely changes how we feel. It lowers stress, improves oxygen flow and helps us reconnect with our sense of play.”
She reflected on how she discovered the benefits of laughter by accident: “After just fifteen minutes of laughter yoga, I felt profoundly different…I just felt lighter, more motivated and generally better. Laughter therapy completely changed me.”
Claudia has been trained to deliver these sessions within the mental health sector and said that the impact on participants was inspiring: “Laughter is an instant vacation – you don’t have to go somewhere to give your mind and body a rest.”
“I have [a] huge belief that this will transform the lives of those at Prideaux House,” she said.
Currently completing MA Newspaper Journalism at City st George's, University of London.