On 19 July, Stephanie Davies, founder of Laughology and Alan Matthews, freelance trainer talked us through the theory underpinning laughology and gave examples of how we might use it in work with people who use drugs. Along the way, there were plenty of laughs and a couple of (almost) embarrassing activities that had the whole room cracking up.
Everyone’s heard the adage ‘laughter is the best medicine’, so it should come as no surprise that laughter can be a key component of a drug worker’s toolbox.
Stephanie’s laughology expertise and Alan’s second-to-none knowledge of drugs and drug treatment complemented each other perfectly, and their double act was enjoyable.
Being able to laugh and have a sense of humour is a life-skill that is essential to a healthy balance between mind and body. Laughology’s techniques are now being employed to benefit people in drug treatment by taking a practical approach to how humour processing can help people achieve whatever goals they set themselves.
Speakers
Stephanie Davies
Laughology ceo
She is Laughology’s founder and CEO designing and delivering interventions for top-performing teams across a range of sectors. She studied community arts at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts before embarking on a career as an award-winning stand-up comedian, appearing alongside Sarah Millican, John Bishop and Jason Manford.
Alan Matthews
independent researcher, consultant and trainer
Alan has worked in the drugs field since 1984, and was involved in the establishment of the Mersey Regional Drug Training & Information Centre (now HIT), which pioneered drug-related harm reduction strategies. He is also the founding editor of The International Journal of Drug Policy. Since 1992 Alan has worked as an independent researcher, consultant and trainer for a wide range of organisations, from Local Authorities to universities to voluntary community groups, dealing with young people and drug use.
