Inspire is preparing to take ‘Finding Our Funny’ on the road this November, with performances planned in Enniskillen, Derry/Londonderry and Belfast.
The tour marks the culmination of a unique project that has brought together people with lived experience of mental ill health to explore how humour, storytelling and creativity can support wellbeing, build confidence and create connection.
Over recent months, participants have worked alongside Photographer and Facilitator, Kelly Morris and Legendary Comedian, Tim McGarry, to develop their own material, discover their voice and grow in confidence. Now, as the programme enters its final weeks, they are preparing to share their stories with audiences across Northern Ireland.
The tour comes as the world marks World Mental Health Day 2026, whose theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” recognises the importance of ensuring that people with lived experience are not only listened to, but are at the centre of conversations that shape attitudes, services and communities.
While mental health conversations often focus understandably on challenges and recovery, humour can play an important role in helping people feel connected, resilient and hopeful. Finding Our Funny created a safe and supportive environment where people could step outside their comfort zone, share experiences and rediscover the things that make them smile.
Alex Bunting, Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services at Inspire, said:
“Finding Our Funny has never been about teaching people how to tell jokes. It has been about creating opportunities for people to discover their voice, share their experiences and connect with others.
On World Mental Health Day, the theme of ‘Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change’ feels particularly relevant. This project has been shaped by people with lived experience from the very beginning, and the upcoming tour gives them the opportunity to take centre stage.
Mental health support is often about helping people navigate difficult experiences, but it is also about helping people reconnect with the parts of themselves that bring a sense of joy. Finding Our Funny is about creating space for laughter and creativity. We are incredibly proud of everyone who has taken part and excited to see them bring Finding Our Funny to audiences in Enniskillen, Derry and Belfast.”
Carla, Belfast Community Wellbeing Service Member and Finding Our Funny Participant, said:
“These workshops have been so much fun. Working with Kelly and Tim has been amazing. Tim has helped me with my material and Kelly has showed us how to use the cameras properly and ways to work on the stage. The whole project has been invaluable to me and my confidence has been boosted. I’m still buzzing from it.”
Carla took part in our 65th Anniversary celebrations, sharing her story with us for the INSPIRED exhibition. You can hear more about Carla and her story here.
Kelly Morris, Lead Facilitator and Photographer, said:
“It begins with a smile, leads into a giggle, and all of a sudden from deep within your belly, laughter ricochets to every single cell in your body. For that moment however long it lasts, you feel at peace and full of joy. It takes bravery and curiosity to come together in a group, especially when you may think your funny isn’t worthy, important, heard. Some may feel that theirs has dimmed. Some may just want to see what the cracks all about, in a place like Inspire, where they always know they are safe.
Finding Our Funny is just that allowing everyone to find their own, nurture it, and share with one another.
The impact I have seen as lead facilitator for this project is beaming out of everyone. The confidence you can see physically, in their the stature and in their eyes – it’s beautiful. You can also hear the strength in their voices / their laughter it wonderfully contagious. They have been so supportive and encouraging of another so naturally- that energy is electric.
The individual confidence and bond all of us have made together through this process will be the legacy. And may we all keep encouraging one another to Find Our Funny”
Tim McGarry, Legendary Comedian, said:
“What a joy to be involved in Finding Our Funny. It’s using comedy to help build confidence. It’s inspiring. It’s exciting but above all it’s fun.”
The project has been inspired by the belief that conversations about mental health do not always have to begin with the negative. Sometimes they can begin with connection, shared experiences and laughter.
By creating a space for people to tell their stories through comedy and performance, Finding Our Funny helps challenge stigma, celebrate resilience and demonstrate the positive role that humour can play in supporting wellbeing.
The November tour will provide audiences with an opportunity to enjoy an evening of entertainment while hearing directly from people whose experiences offer insight, hope and a fresh perspective on mental health.
Tour Dates
Monday 9th November – Pat’s Bar – Enniskillen
Tuesday 10th November – The Cosh – Derry/Londonderry
Thursday 12th November – The Barge – Belfast
(Doors open 6.30pm)
To get your tickets visit>> Finding Our Funny LIVE Tour | Inspire Wellbeing