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Deception Bay Laughter Club puts YAY into Fridays

| HeatherJoy Campbell |

Deception Bay, north of Brisbane, has put the YAY into Fridays, committing to a laughter club for health, happiness and social connection.

In late January 2026, Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre (DBNC) partnered with social enterprise The Happydemic to put a simple idea to the test: is laughter really good medicine?

DBNC was one of 10 neighbourhood centres across Queensland tasked with exploring innovative, community-based activities as part of social prescription trial.

Over several weeks, The Happydemic’s HeatherJoy Campbell ran 45-minute laughter yoga sessions, backed up with socialising afterwards. 

At the end of the trial period, participants were asked:

  • Do you feel happier, healthier and more connected?
  • Would you like more opportunities to laugh for your wellbeing?

The response was a resounding YES which isn’t really surprising. Let me explain…

Why Laughter Clubs are GREAT for healthy communities

Laughter clubs help lift spirits and heart rate (gently), they’re 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 can do Laughter Yoga.

Laughter Yoga is a process that enables us to laugh without humour of punchlines, as a physical action. There’s clapping, chanting, gentle stretches, playful movement, mindful breathwork and, naturally, laughter. 

Laughter is a natural stress reliever, helps regulate the nervous system, and creates a 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.

What you need to know about Deception Bay Laughter Club

Fridays in Deception Bay are great reasons to be called FriYAY now.

On the first Friday of the month, starting on 1 May 2026, HeatherJoy Campbell leads Laughter Club with support from Council’s  Healthy & Active Moreton program.

It’s a chance to reset for the month. To pause anxieties, frustrations, and stresses. To reframe challenges. To laugh for wellbeing.

Every other Friday during the month, the neighbourhood centre hosts informal social catch-ups —a laughing circle of conversation and giggles.

And here’s the really good news. In this cost-of-living crisis, it won’t cost you a cent!

DECEPTION BAY LAUGHTER CLUB
📍 7 Joseph Crescent, Deception Bay
🕘 9:00am (First Friday of each month)
💧 BYO water bottle (no yoga mat required)
♿ All ages and abilities welcome, including fully seated participation
💰 Free of charge.

Now that’s real reason to say Friday, FriYAY!!!

What’s more, during May, two local residents will be trained to become volunteer laughter leaders to carry on the laughter yoga practice and grow joy in their community. That’s something to really cheer about.

(c) HeatherJoy Campbell 2026

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 runs two laughter clubs. She’s the lead trainer of ‘laughter leaders’ in Queensland.