Comedy for Confidence & Wellbeing Course. Impact Case Study – Spring 2026 Cohort

The Spring 2026 cohort of the Gags for Good CIC Comedy for Confidence & Wellbeing course brought together adults aged 35–64 from a range of backgrounds, many of whom joined the programme to improve confidence, reduce anxiety, challenge themselves, rebuild self-esteem, or reconnect with creativity and community.

Across the course, participants consistently reported significant improvements in confidence, mental wellbeing, self-expression and social connection. Nearly every participant stated they felt more confident speaking in front of others, more comfortable expressing themselves, and more connected to people by the end of the programme.

Many students began the course feeling nervous, anxious, isolated, lacking confidence or unsure of themselves. By the end, participants described feeling empowered, resilient, creative, socially connected and excited about trying new things. Several participants performed stand-up comedy publicly for the very first time at the final showcase in front of an audience of around 100 people.

One participant described the course as:

“A truly wonderful experience that enabled me to do something I’ve always dreamed of stand up! The supportive and nurturing environment… helped me discover a new piece of myself.”

Another participant, who had previously experienced severe mental health difficulties, shared:

“This course has added an extra level of confidence to the hard work I’d already done… Finishing the course and performing at the end gave me a real sense of achievement.”

A number of students highlighted the course’s impact on anxiety and mental wellbeing. One participant explained that the course helped channel neurodivergent thinking positively, creating “calm, capacity and improved focus.” Another shared that social anxiety they had experienced prior to the course had “gone” by the end of the programme.

The sense of belonging and peer support was repeatedly identified as one of the strongest elements of the programme. Participants spoke about making “friends for life,” feeling safe to experiment creatively, and being encouraged without judgement.

Students also reported practical long-term benefits beyond comedy itself, including:

• Increased confidence speaking in work and social situations

• Greater willingness to try new experiences

• Improved self-esteem and resilience

• Reduced feelings of isolation

• Increased creativity and self-expression

• Stronger social networks and friendships

• Renewed sense of identity and purpose

One participant summed up the wider impact of the programme by saying:

“The comedy course brought me challenges which I met with more confidence each passing week. My focus, confidence, self-esteem and performing skills have improved immensely.”

Another simply described the programme as:

“I signed up before I could talk myself out of it and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Feedback from the cohort demonstrates that comedy can be a powerful tool for improving wellbeing, confidence, creativity, and community connection, particularly when delivered in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. The programme not only helped participants develop comedy and performance skills, but also enabled many to rediscover confidence, identity and joy.