Armed with an open mind and willingness to try something magical, Lutheran Care Foster Carers laughed their way through a stress-relieving wellbeing event recently, the first of its kind across the state.

The Laughter Workshop was designed for carers to explore the many mental and physical health benefits of laughter, with laughter expert Merv Neal, of Laughter Yoga Australia.

Aimed at providing stress release, the wellbeing event was hosted online to promote a sense of comfort and security for participants while offering flexibility and accessibility for carers to attend.

As well as offering carers the opportunity to participate in a unique wellbeing event, Lutheran Care became a pioneer of its field, extending the invitation to all Foster and Kinship Carers across in South Australia.

Lutheran Care Foster Carer Lisa O’Malley said the session was both fun and informative.

“I had such a fabulous time, and we laughed a lot, it felt so good. There is absolutely healing in laughter,” Lisa said.

Lutheran Care Family Engagement Worker Nat Costello said feedback from participants outside of Lutheran Care were grateful to have the opportunity to attend.

“It was delightful,” one participant said.

“I could really see you had put your heart and effort into organising something that was all about self-care for carers.

“I am really appreciative of the inclusion of all carers, not just Lutheran Care Foster Carers.”

Host of the event, Mr Neal, is Australia’s leading gelotologist, studying laughter and its effects on the body from psychological and physiological perspectives.

As part of the event Mr Neal explained that in a 30-minute workshop, participants could experience a reduction in their stress levels by up to 65 per cent, an improvement in their mood, a decrease in mental health concerns, increased energy levels, a drop in high blood pressure, as well as boosting their immune system.

“What you need to know is that Laughter Yoga really works. The evidence from research studies I’ve collaborated on with Deakin University is irrefutable,” he said.

“Through these studies I saw how ignoring your health could have long lasting—even terminal—repercussions.

“I also saw the positive impact Laughter Yoga had on improving workplace wellbeing while reducing stress, depression and anxiety.”

The Laughter Workshop follows multiple other wellbeing and new peer connect initiatives introduced by Lutheran Care in 2024, including a Dads’ Group catch up, an event for Foster Carers’ biological children, a lunch for those ages 60 years and over, and a Sound Bath Experience.

Implementation of the Laughter Workshop further strengthens Lutheran Care’s commitment to creating supportive networks for Foster Carers, who often face the complexities of fostering children while navigating all the normal life pressures of employment, family life and self-care.

For information about becoming a Foster Carer with Lutheran Care, click here.