Aberdeen International Comedy Festival is kicking off this week (Thursday, October 6-16 ), and Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA) has once again been selected as the Official Charity Partner for the event. The partnership began in 2019 and has continued into 2022 with the festival returning after a two year break due to CV19.
‘Laughter is the best medicine’ is a frequently used phrase, and one that has its roots in science, as the benefits of laughter and humour on mental health are extremely well documented. Unfortunately, across the past few years there have been fewer reasons to laugh for so many people, so this partnership and the timing of this year’s festival, is more important than ever.
The festival is taking place at over 20 venues across Aberdeen, with shows to suit all tastes, and with tickets starting at £7 there is an opportunity for people to get out of the house and have a laugh on a budget.
Volunteers from Mental Health Aberdeen will be attending as many of the shows as possible, promoting their free counselling services, fundraising, and running their own survey for anyone happy to share how they feel before and after each gig.
Graeme Kinghorn, Chief Executive of Mental Health Aberdeen said “We are extremely grateful to have been chosen as the charity partner for Aberdeen’s Comedy Festival for a second year. Aberdeen Inspired have long been a supporter of ours, and we cannot thank them enough for this incredible opportunity to promote mental health.
“We talk regularly about the benefits of laughter on mental health and wellbeing. When we laugh, our bodies release endorphins that help to balance our mood and encourage positive thinking. Laughter in groups helps people to bond, creating and sharing positive social experiences, which in turn is important for mental health.
“Our friends of MHA will be attending as many of the comedy gigs as possible, sharing information about our projects, and talking to anyone who would like to know more about what we do. I’ll be shaking my can at a few of the events too, so please do come and say hello if you get the chance.”
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired added “We are proud to partner with Mental Health Aberdeen as part of the comedy festival. The benefits of laughter to wellbeing and people’s mental health are well documented and our hope is that the charity can raise much needed funds to continue their essential work whilst also raising awareness of the help and support they provide to people in the city. Local partnerships sit at the heart of the festival and our charity partnership with mental Health Aberdeen is of real value to all involved.”
For the full line up and tickets visit www.aberdeencomedyfestival.com