Laughter Club Facilitator

The Borooondara Volunteer Resource Centre is advertising this role on behalf of Craig Family Centre.

Volunteer Opportunity: Laughter Club Facilitator (One-Off Session)

Location: Craig Family Centre, Ashburton

Session Date: Flexible during work hours – One session in Term 4, 2025 (with opportunity to repeat if successful)

Time Commitment: 1–1.5 hours (plus setup and debrief)

About the Role:

Do you enjoy lifting people’s spirits, building connection, and sharing the gift of laughter? The Craig Family Centre is seeking a confident, enthusiastic volunteer to lead a one-off adult Laughter Club session. This unique wellbeing activity uses playful, intentional laughter exercises to reduce stress, promote happiness, and build community connection. Based on the work of Dr. Madan Kataria, as well as decades of research from Dr. Lee Berk and Dr. William Fry, laughter-based programs have been shown to:

• Lower stress hormones like cortisol
• Increase endorphins and natural mood boosters
• Improve pain tolerance, cardiovascular health, and immune function
• Foster mental wellbeing and social connection

This is not about comedy—it’s about sharing the benefits of intentional, playful laughter in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment.

What the Session Involves:

You’ll be supported to lead a 45–60 minute structured session that includes:

• Welcome & Grounding (5–10 min): Mindful breathing, gentle stretches, and introductions
• Warm-up (5 min): Clapping in rhythm (e.g. “Ho Ho, Ha Ha Ha!”) and body movements
• Laughter Exercises (20 min): Fun, guided activities like the “cell phone laugh,” “milkshake laugh,” or “lion laugh”
• Free Laughter Flow (5 min): Group laughter circle to build momentum
• Cool Down (5 min): Deep breathing, optional gratitude circle, and a calming finish

We’ll provide session ideas, materials, and staff support before and during the session. If participants love it, we’ll look to expand the program with your continued input.

Tips for Facilitators:

• No comedy skills required—just confidence and openness
• Keep the energy playful and light
• Encourage people to “fake it till they make it”—fake laughter often turns real
• Foster a safe, supportive space—laughter is a release, not a performance
• Optional props like silly hats or bubbles can be used to boost engagement

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate a structured group laughter session for adults
• Set a warm, welcoming tone and build comfort from the start
• Gently guide participants through warm-ups, laughter games, and cool down
• Communicate with staff before and after the session for setup, support, and feedback

Skills & Experience (desirable but not essential):

• Confidence speaking in front of small groups
• Warmth, energy, and a sense of fun
• An interest in wellbeing, mindfulness, or creative expression
• Ability to lead others through potentially awkward or vulnerable moments with kindness
• Previous experience in group facilitation (optional)

About the Craig Family Centre:

The Craig Family Centre is a well-established community organisation in Ashburton offering inclusive programs that support wellbeing, creativity, learning, and social connection. Our adult wellbeing stream includes accessible activities that reduce stress and foster belonging—especially through shared experiences like movement, mindfulness, and laughter. We provide:

• A dedicated, welcoming community space
• Session structure, promotional support, and materials
• Volunteer insurance coverage
• Friendly staff to assist with setup and participant support

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Share laughter and boost wellbeing in your community
• Help break down barriers and reduce stress through joyful play
• Try out a unique one-off facilitation opportunity with full support
• Contribute to a new wellbeing initiative with potential to grow
• Leave people smiling—and feel great doing it

If you’ve got the confidence to lead and a love for helping people feel good, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s bring the power of laughter to life—one smile at a time.