Clown Doctors

The Humour Foundation has two core programs, both of which specialise in the art of humour therapy - Clown Doctors and Laughter Care.

Clown Doctors (established 1997) benefits children and young people in
hospital and palliative care, while Laughter Care (established 2011) benefits older adults in residential aged-care facilities, who are socially isolated and/or living with dementia and/or palliative.

The Laughter Care program is a world-leading initiative that merges medicine and the arts to enhance the lives of aged care residents.

With nearly half a million Australians facing dementia, this program validates
who the person is now, not who they used to be, transforming aged care by prioritising emotional and social well-being alongside physical health.

It was smiles all round when Dr Quack and Dr Silly Billy dropped into the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice at Manly the other day.

Thank you for allowing one Clown Doctors to bring laughter and joy to patients, families and staff when they need it most.

While it's (mostly) fun and games being a Clown Doctor, the reality is that this work is truly powerful in its simplicity. As Dr Hoot puts it, 'we get invited into the most vulnerable parts of people's lives, and we're able to play there and make children feel like children again.'

What a gift that is to children, carers and hospital staff.

Be the joy 🌟

If laughter is the best medicine, then the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency Sam Mostyn AC is in excellent health following a visit to one of our Laughter Care program partners - Cranbrook Care’s Lansdowne Gardens on Wycombe.

During her visit, the Governor-General witnessed firsthand the incredible impact our Laughter Care Specialists have on residents' wellbeing. She joined in the fun and shared a laugh with residents during their weekly session led by the talented ‘Monty’ 🎶

At The Humour Foundation, our programs are designed to enhance wellbeing, lift spirits, and improve health through joyful humour, insightful connection, and creative play. This visit epitomised the best of care and kindness we strive to bring to every session.

Join us in celebrating the positive impact of our Laughter Care program and the wonderful support from Cranbrook Care and the Governor-General! 🎉

The countdown is on - there’s 100 days to go until Telethon Weekend.

As a proud beneficiary of Telethon, we are so excited to start the countdown to the 2024 Telethon event. Mark the dates in your diary so you can help make a difference to sick kids in hospital.

Thank you for your ongoing support Telethon7 Perth, we're so grateful for your generosity.

The Humour Foundation is thrilled to announce that one of our beloved Clown Doctors, Dr Wing It (Libby Dobson), has been featured in the latest edition of Take 5 Magazine!

This special feature shines a spotlight on the incredible work done by our Clown Doctors, who bring laughter and joy to children, carers and staff in hospitals across Australia.

The feature also highlights the impact of laughter on healing. Research shows that laughter can reduce stress, improve immune function, and promote overall well-being. For children in hospitals, the joy brought by Clown Doctors like Dr Wing It can be a crucial part of their recovery process.

Libby expresses the importance of her role: ‘I’m very proud of my work as a Clown Doctor. Being silly can make a big difference to someone just when they need it.’

The Humour Foundation’s Laughter Care program uses humour, reminiscence and playful engagement to improve the quality of life for aged-care residents who are socially isolated or living with dementia.

The fact is, in a typical aged-care facility, over half the residents will have dementia and up to 40% may not see a visitor all year. The combined loss of connection, familiarity, dignity, and independence impacts the whole facility, not just the residents experiencing these challenges. From staff to family members and the wider community, it’s an issue we’re all touched by.

In 2012, the foundations of the Laughter Care program were developed with the help of a Winston Churchill Trust - AU fellowship awarded to our Artistic Director, David Symons.

Now, David is one of the recent Churchill Fellow recipients of Impact Funding, which will allow us to develop tools and a framework to measure the impact of the Laughter Care program. Our aim is to measure and articulate resident experiences and health outcomes as well as benefits to staff, carers and families. It will provide essential data to support organisations to implement the program, expanding the breadth and impact of Laughter Care.

The generosity of the Churchill Trust will enable us to bring more joy, laughter and connection to people experiencing social isolation and dementia – and see the results this program delivers. Together, we are making a difference, one smile at a time!

Today is your last chance to donate to the Clown Doctors Appeal before EOFY.

Help sick kids, carers and hospital staff find joy when they need it most.

Donate today via https://humourfoundation.org.au/joes_story/

Our Cup of Tea!

Yesterday Dr Whoops and Dr Holiday attended the Canberra Foundations Collaborative Community Morning Tea, where they celebrated the Canberra Foundations Collaborative 2024 grantees and supporters.

The Humour Foundation is grateful to be one of these grantees, supported by the John James Foundation and the Aspen Foundation. Funds will ensure the Clown Doctors program continues in the ACT, bringing laughter where it is unexpected, yet most needed.

Time is running out.

Help us reach out $50,000 goal to ensure the Clown Doctors continue to bring laughter where it is unexpected, yet most needed.

Donate before 30th June here >> https://humourfoundation.org.au/joes_story/

It's not too late to donate to The Humour Foundation before the end of financial year.

In FY23, your support helped The Humour Foundation bring laughter and joy to over 250,000 beneficiaries in 21 hospitals and 1 palliative care facility across Australia.

Your donations are making a difference. Donate today here >> https://humourfoundation.org.au/joes_story/

Together, we can ensure that the Clown Doctors continue their invaluable work, spreading joy and laughter to children, carers and hospital staff when they need it most.

Support us today with a tax deducible donation here >> https://humourfoundation.org.au/joes_story/

The Humour Foundation extends a heartfelt thank you to the Trevor and Joy Hill Foundation for their remarkable generosity in supporting the Clown Doctors program at Gosford Hospital on the Central Coast.

Heroes and philanthropic champions like the Hill Family are vital to every community, and their commitment to a cause greater than themselves is truly inspiring. 🎉

We also want to celebrate Tricia Fortier for her incredible community fundraising efforts, raising over $100,000 for The Humour Foundation. Tricia, you are a hero in your own right, bringing joy and laughter to so many! 🌟

Together, we are making a difference, one smile at a time.

Together, we can ensure that the Clown Doctors continue their invaluable work, bringing joy and laughter to children, carers and hospital staff when they need it most.

Donate now before EOFY here >> https://humourfoundation.org.au/joes_story/

Give the gift of laughter where its needed most.

Your donation will bring joy and laughter to kids like Joe.

Donate now before EOFY via this link https://humourfoundation.org.au/joes_story/

🎉 A Tremendous Thank You to Unite4Kids! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that the recent Unite 4 Kids Gala raised an incredible $321,515 for children's cancer charities, including The Humour Foundation!

This extraordinary achievement wouldn't have been possible without the unbelievable efforts of Holly, Ben, and Kim Mead. Your dedication and vision in starting Unite4Kids is truly remarkable and deeply appreciated. You have touched thousands of lives with your vision.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the gala and participated in the silent auction. Your generosity and support are making a significant impact on the lives of children and families facing cancer.

Together, we are bringing hope, joy, and laughter to those who need it most. Thank you for being a part of this amazing journey!

🌟 A Huge Thank You to Neil and Lynda Wallis! 🌟

We are incredibly grateful to Neil and Lynda Wallis for their ongoing support of our cause, and for hosting the amazing Humour In The Highlands fundraising event this past weekend. Your passion for The Humour Foundation is truly inspiring.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and made the event such a resounding success. Your generosity and enthusiasm are what make our work possible.

To the wonderful Southern Highlands and Bowral community, we deeply appreciate your continuous support. Together, we are bringing laughter and joy where it is unexpected, yet most needed.

Did you know? Over 239,000 children, carers, and hospital staff benefited from Clown Doctor visits in FY23! Your support makes this possible. Donate today to bring laughter where it is unexpected, yet most needed this tax time. Donate Now: www.humourfoundation.org.au/joes_story

‘The Clown Doctors were fantastic. They were masters at bringing joy and happiness into these dark moments,' Andrew, Joe's dad. Donate now and make a difference to families like Joe's this tax time and read Joe's full story here: https://humourfoundation.org.au/joes_story/

We are so honoured to be a beneficiary of the Unite4Kids Luncheon and this year, it's going to be bigger and better than ever! Tickets on sale now, and if you can't get to Adelaide, be sure to check out the live auction that can be accessed from anywhere. More details to come...

Dr Honeybee and Dr You Know attended the inaugural visit to the Perioperative Services Unit at Alice Springs Hospital last week, and they didn't disappoint!

Thank you for allowing our Clown Doctors to bring joy, laughter and connection to kids at the Alice Springs Hospital!

📸 Rani Tharumalingam

Thank You for 25 Years of Smiles!

As Smile Month comes to a close, we’re excited to share a video recap of the key moments, achievements, and the incredible impact of our 25-year partnership with Commonwealth Bank From laughter-filled hospital wards to countless smiles, we couldn’t have done it without your support. Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to many more years of bringing joy to children, carers, and hospital staff.

Last day to have you support matched by Commbank, Donate Now: https://humourfoundation.org.au/smile-month/

Smile! 25 years of CommBank supporting the Clown Doctors™ CommBank is proud to support the Clown Doctors™ to bring joy to kids, carers and staff in hospitals around Australia. Visit commbank.com.au/clowndoctors to d...

Remembering Karleigh's Story: The Power of Laughter

Karleigh, a 14-year-old girl who was born with a metabolic disorder, required a liver transplant when she was just 18 months old. Her condition has meant years of regular hospital admissions and blood tests, resulting in Karleigh developing trypanophobia – a needle phobia.

She first met the Clown Doctors in Princess Margaret Hospital in 2007 and has loved seeing them again during her subsequent visits to Perth Children’s Hospital.

Her eyes light up every time she sees them. The Clown Doctors are the only people in hospital who Karleigh trusts won’t hurt her, they are her friends, they help her to be brave and have fun. She looks out for the Clown Doctors each time she visits PCH.

For many kids like Karleigh, the Clown Doctors are a welcome diversion from their hospital treatment. Support us and have your donation matched by Commonwealth Bank * To the value of 100k. Donate Now: https://humourfoundation.org.au/smile-month/
🤡❤️

:):) Celebrating 1 Million Smiles! :):)

This year, our partnership with Commonwealth Bank will celebrate an incredible milestone: 1 million smiles!

That’s 1 million children, carers, and hospital staff who have benefited from the Clown Doctor program thanks to Commonwealth Bank’s support. Together, we’ve made a tremendous impact, and we’re committed to bringing even more smiles in the future. Visit https://humourfoundation.org.au/smile-month/ to Donate :)