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Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre sparks laughter club trial

| HeatherJoy Campbell |
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I am excited to announce a partnership with Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre (DBNC) starting later this month as part of a government-supported social prescription trial in Australia.

DBNC is one of 10 neighbourhood centres across Queensland tasked with exploring innovative, community-based activities that support the well-being of families with members aged 18 years and under.

A social laughter club will be one of those activities. I’ve been saying for years that laughter clubs offer a natural social prescription because laughter adds spark to everyone’s day! Read more about the power of laughter and social prescription.

Deception Bay’s Laughter Club starts as a 4-week pilot on Friday 30 January 2026.

The 45-minute sessions will be held at 7 Joseph Cr, with capacity for fully seated participation, if need be.

Laughter club starts at 9am and is FREE.

What happens at a laughter club?

Social Laughter Clubs around the world bring people together to practise gentle laughter yoga techniques: light playful movements, simple breathing exercises, and laughter. 

No jokes, humour skills, or prior experience are required—nor indeed any ability to twist yourself into a pretzel on the ground!

Why laughter club is good for you

Laughter clubs help lift spirits and heart rate (gently), are absolutely welcoming and, yes, they are fun.

  • You don’t need to know anyone to come along. You become part of ‘the gang’ within minutes.
  • You don’t need to be in a good mood.
  • You don’t need to know or ‘get’ jokes.
  • It’s not ageist.  Anyone of any age or ability is welcome.

Laughter is a natural stress reliever, helps regulate the nervous system, and creates a shared sense of belonging.

For families, laughing together can strengthen relationships, improve mood, and build resilience during challenging times.

The sense of social connection experienced while doing group laughter yoga exercises often continues afterwards, in conversations and new friendships.

Learn more about proven health benefits by reading this article.

How do I get involved?

If you live in the Deception Bay area and are interested in finding your own spark through laughter, please register with the neighbourhood centre by calling 07 32042022.

HeatherJoy Campbell is an Australian-based global ambassador of Laughter Yoga International. She delivers laughter yoga wellbeing sessions and workshops in workplaces, community centres and aged care and as well as giveback laughter clubs at North Lakes and Redcliffe Peninsula.  She is the lead trainer of ‘laughter leaders’ in Queensland.