The Humour Foundation
Home page - The Humour Foundation
14073675457
NSW 2067
humourfoundation.org.au
HumourFoundation
The Humour Foundation
The Humour Foundation is an Australian nonprofit organisation that delivers humour therapy programs in healthcare settings. Co-founded by General Practitioner Dr Peter Spitzer and performer Jean-Paul Bell, it operates nationally as a registered charity focused on improving wellbeing through laughter and creative play[^1^][^2^].
Overview
Established in 1997, the organisation initially launched its Clown Doctors program at Sydney Children’s Hospital, later expanding to Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Its work began in response to the psychosocial needs of children affected by the 1996 Port Arthur massacre[^2^]. Programs now extend to aged care facilities, addressing social isolation and enhancing quality of life through Laughter Care (formerly Elder Clowns) and Laughter Boss training for staff[^1^][^5^].
Programs
Clown Doctors
Teams of trained performers collaborate with medical staff to reduce anxiety and pain in hospitalized children. By 2023, the program operated in 21 hospitals and one children’s hospice, conducting over 1,900 annual rounds[^1^].
Laughter Care
Introduced in 2011, this initiative engages residents in aged care through interactive performances and activities designed to foster connection and joy[^2^]. The program expanded to 25 facilities by 2023[^1^].
Laughter Boss
Workshops equip aged care staff with humour-based strategies to improve daily interactions with residents, particularly those living with dementia[^5^].
Impact
The foundation employs 65 Clown Doctors and 17 Laughter Care Specialists nationwide[^1^]. Its approach aligns with research demonstrating laughter’s physiological and psychological benefits, including stress reduction and improved emotional resilience[^5^]. Safeguarding protocols are certified by the Australian Childhood Foundation[^2^].
[^1^]: Annual program statistics and operational scope.
[^2^]: Historical context and mission details.
[^5^]: Program methodologies and research alignment.
[1] https://humourfoundation.org.au [2] https://humourfoundation.org.au/about-us/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/488b0620-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd [4] https://www.instagram.com/humourfoundation/ [5] https://rma.acrrm.org.au/docs/default-source/esatchel/about-the-humour-foundation-flyer-updated-for-qld-2019.pdf?sfvrsn=2db7457b_2
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Podobně sociální sítě (21805)
Více Služby pacientům – Zábava, rekreace
ANULIKA z.s.Ostrava |
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Ze Mě Země z.s.Ostrava |
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Sdružení moravskoslezských celiaků, z.s.Frýdek-Místek |
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Heřmanice dětem z.s.Ostrava |
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MEDICA Třinec, z.ú.Třinec |
Novinky
Dr Sunny and Dr Lost & Found brought the art of medical clowning to life at Melbourne Medical Student Conference (MDSC) - Australia’s largest medical student conference, held at the iconic Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre recently. Invited to speak in front of hundreds of future doctors, they shared how laughter, empathy and connection can support healing in even the most clinical of spaces. From calming anxious kids in emergency departments to easing the emotional weight of chronic illness, our Clown Doctors deliver serious impact, with a playful twist. Thank you to the MDSC2025 for the invitation to showcase how joy and medicine go hand-in-hand. Watch as these two professional Clown Doctors flip the script on healthcare, one giggle at a time. #ClownDoctorsAustralia #MedicalClowning #MDSC2025 #HealthcareWithHeart #FutureDoctors #LaughterIsMedicine #YourGiftHeals #TheHumourFoundation #MedicalStudentsAustralia #EmpathyInHealthcare (fb)
Poslední komentáře
What an incredible initiative! Bringing laughter and joy to those who need it most is such a beautiful gift. Keep spreading the smiles! 💖😂detail |
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So grateful for the amazing work you're doing! Laughter truly is the best medicine, especially for the little ones and our elders. You're making a real difference! 🙌✨detail |
Poslední diskuze
What role do you think laughter plays in improving mental health outcomes for patients in hospitals and aged care facilities?Odpovědí: 3, Naposledy před 1 den detail |
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How can community members become more involved in supporting organizations like The Humour Foundation to enhance the emotional well-being of vulnerable populations?Odpovědí: 3, Naposledy před 1 den detail |
V okolí
4.5
NSW 2067
O společnosti
- E86, P85, A60 -
The Humour Foundation is an organisation of expertly trained performers who bring laughter joy and genuine human connection to childrens hospitals hospice and aged care facilities around Australia. Our programs rely on generous donations from the Australian public who choose to partner with us to deliver the many proven benefits of laughter where it is unexpected yet most needed. Our Programs The Humour Foundation is an organisation of expertly trained performers who bring laughter joy and genuine human connection to childrens hospitals and aged care facilities through our Clown Doctors and Laughter Care programs around Australia. Our performers deliver the many benefits of laughter where it is unexpected yet most needed.
Služby pacientům – Zábava, rekreace Služby pro bezdomovce/centra pro bezdomovce Scénické umění
