Our Mission & Values

As a professional organisation with accountability and integrity we:

Go in with an open heart

Play, with respect

Connect with compassion

Uplift the spirit

We have four programs; Clown Doctors, Laughter Care, Laughter Boss and Laughter Works which all employ our philosophy that Laughter is the Best Medicine!

Our Impact & Evidence Base

We spread ‘doses’ of fun and laughter to people in need across Australia, improving the quality of life for people in hospitals, health and aged care facilities. International research has demonstrated the physiological and psychological benefits of laughter to health and well-being, and this underpins our evidence based practice. “Plenty of studies have shown that laughter can combat many common ills. For instance, research suggests that humour may lower blood pressure and release endorphins. Laughter is also proven to improve circulation, stimulate the nervous system, heighten the immune system and make the heart stronger.” The late Dr Peter Spitzer, Medical Director & Co-founder, The Humour Foundation. We’re committed to research and evaluation so that we are able to create real value and impact in the lives of our beneficiaries. We continually measure our impact.
A recent study conducted by Social Ventures Australia shows that for every $1 invested into our Clown Doctors program in clinical spaces, there’s a $9.90 social return to the community. Read the full report here. Further, where evidence is limited, we are at the forefront of driving new understanding of our work. Our Laughter Care program was the subject of a world first NH&MRC funded research project that indicated Laughter Care specialists reduced agitation symptoms for residents with dementia by the same level as antipsychotic behaviour management medication.
We are also currently funding a ground breaking PhD investigating the impact of the Clown Doctors program in hospital.

Meet Our Board

Rebecca Ong

Peter W Jess

Damien Meredith

David Pettigrew

Mike O’Brien

FAQs