Case Study: Finding Your Voice. Skills, Confidence and Wellbeing Through Comedy
- April Thompson
- Jan 22
- 3 min read
Organisation
Gags for Good CIC is Sheffield-based social enterprise using comedy and creative writing to improve confidence, wellbeing and social connection.
The Challenge
Many adults experience low confidence, isolation and poor mental wellbeing, particularly following major life events such as illness, bereavement, caring responsibilities or prolonged stress and burnout. These experiences often limit opportunities for self-expression, creativity and learning, leading to withdrawal from social life and a loss of personal identity beyond work or family roles.
Participants joining Gags for Good described their confidence as being “rock bottom” or “non-existent” before taking part. Several spoke about feeling disconnected, stuck, or lacking a space where they could learn new skills, express themselves safely, and explore their own voice, something that was just for them.
The Project
Gags for Good delivered a structured stand-up comedy course designed to support adults to:
Build confidence in a safe, non-judgemental environment.
Improve wellbeing through creativity and laughter.
Reduce isolation and create meaningful social connections.
Develop new skills in creative writing, public speaking and performance.
The course combined guided joke-writing exercises, group discussion, confidence-building techniques and rehearsal time, culminating in a live showcase performance. Participation was voluntary, supportive and focused on progress rather than perfection.
Who Took Part
21 adults completed the course and survey.
Participants ranged in age from 25 to 55+.
Many identified with low confidence, mental health challenges, illness recovery, grief or caring responsibilities.
All participants completed the full course.
What Changed - Impact & Outcomes
Confidence
Participants reported a significant increase in self-confidence:
Average confidence before the course: 5/10.
Average confidence after the course: 7.7/10.
Average increase: +2.6 points (52% improvement).
81% of participants reported improved confidence.
No participants reported a decrease.
“My confidence has shot up since doing the course.”
“Doing the showcase proved I could still be brave.”
Wellbeing & Mental Health
Participants described improvements in mood, motivation and emotional resilience. Comedy was frequently described as a coping tool during difficult periods.
Reported benefits included:
Reduced anxiety and low mood.
Increased sense of purpose and motivation.
Feeling “human again” after illness, grief or burnout.
A safe creative outlet away from daily pressures.
“Comedy gave me something to get up for again.”
“It helped me deal with grief and feel human again.”
“For two hours a week, I wasn’t a parent or carer… I was just me.”
Social Connection & Belonging
Social connection emerged as one of the strongest outcomes. Many participants said the course helped them form new, lasting friendships, with several still meeting regularly long after the programme ended.
Participants reported:
Reduced isolation.
Finding a supportive, non-judgemental community.
Improved social lives.
A sense of belonging and being understood.
“I made real friends, something I didn’t expect.”
“I now have a better social life than I’ve had for years.”
“I found a safe space where I could be myself.”
Skills & Ongoing Engagement
Participants gained practical, transferable skills, including:
Public speaking confidence.
Creative writing and joke crafting.
Performance skills.
The confidence to try new things.
Several participants went on to:
Perform regularly at open mic nights.
Volunteer for public speaking at work after years of avoiding it.
Continue comedy as a long-term creative outlet.
“I never imagined I’d stand on a stage… now I can’t stop.”
“It gave me skills I’ve already used at work and in life.”
Learning & Improvement
One participant highlighted the importance of:
Smaller or more structured groups
Clearer timekeeping
Ensuring equal performance opportunities
Gags for Good has used this feedback to refine future programmes by planning capped group sizes, clearer session structure and more balanced stage time.
This demonstrates a reflective approach and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Conclusion
This case study demonstrates that stand-up comedy can be a powerful tool for improving confidence, wellbeing and social connection. Alongside these personal outcomes, participants developed practical, transferable skills including communication, creative thinking, emotional awareness and public speaking, skills that are valuable in everyday life, work and rehabilitative settings.
Gags for Good’s approach offers adults a creative, inclusive and supportive space to rebuild self-belief, reduce isolation and reconnect with themselves and others, while gaining skills that support resilience, self-expression and positive engagement with the world around them.
“It changed my life for the better.”
“I walked in nervous and walked out part of a community.”
If you would like to find out more about booking a Gags for Good workshop or course for your community, organisation or workplace, we’d love to hear from you. Our programmes can be tailored to different settings and participant needs, including community groups, workplaces and custodial environments. To start a conversation, please contact us at info@gagsforgood.org
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