The world’s first comedy-based mental health programme co-designed with young people facing adversity.
HaHaHelps is a scalable psychosocial programme for young people aged 10–17 facing adversity in residential care, community programmes, and schools. Through guided improvisational comedy, it builds confidence, communication, emotional resilience, and social connection in supportive group settings.
Humour
that
heals
✶
Humour that heals ✶
Implemented at
SOS Children’s Villages Cape Town
HaHaHelps was first implemented at SOS Children’s Villages Cape Town, reaching 63 youth in residential care through five structured workshop cycles between 2024 and 2025.
Additional programme delivery is planned for two other child and youth care centres in 2026 as part of a University of Cape Town master’s research study led by HaHaHelps founder Youness Robert-Tahiri.
The Problem
Many young people facing adversity struggle to access support that feels safe, engaging, and relevant to their experiences.
Traditional psychosocial services can be helpful, but some youth may find clinical environments intimidating, unfamiliar, or difficult to engage with — particularly when trust, confidence, or social connection have been disrupted by adversity.
As a result, many young people who could benefit from support remain disconnected from available resources.
HaHaHelps was created to help bridge this gap by introducing a relationship-based approach to psychosocial and socioemotional development through shared laughter, creativity, and play.
“HaHaHelps helps me with things that are painful.”
HaHaHelps works alongside organisations that support youth aged 10–17 facing adversity, including residential care programmes, community organisations, and schools serving vulnerable young people.
Residential Care & Child Welfare
Supporting youth in residential care environments such as children’s villages and group homes.
Community & Youth Organisations
Partnering with organisations that provide mentorship, after-school programmes, and psychosocial support.
Schools & Educational Settings
Helping students build confidence, communication skills, and peer connection through structured, play-based activities.
Who HaHaHelps is for
HaHaHelps is designed to be delivered in partnership with organisations already supporting young people.
Partner
HaHaHelps collaborates with residential programmes, community organisations, and schools to deliver structured group sessions tailored to the needs of the youth they serve.
Train
Facilitators are trained in the HaHaHelps model, learning how to guide improvisational exercises safely while supporting psychosocial development and group reflection.
Sustain
Organisations can integrate the HaHaHelps model into their ongoing programming, creating a sustainable and scalable approach to youth engagement and resilience.
How HaHaHelps works
HaHaHelps is delivered with careful attention to youth safety and ethical practice.
Safeguards include:
trauma-sensitive facilitation practices
voluntary participation and youth assent
clear group boundaries and respect guidelines
referral pathways to professional support when needed
collaboration with host organisations’ safeguarding policies
Sessions are delivered in partnership with organisations that already provide care and support for the young people involved.
Safeguards
Academic affiliations
HaHaHelps is connected to academic research exploring humour-based approaches to youth resilience.
Get involved
HaHaHelps is expanding its partnerships and implementation sites.
We welcome collaboration with organisations interested in bringing the programme to youth in their communities.