Clowns Without Borders UK

Humanitarian Clowning In Emergency Contexts

A clown and a young boy laughing together. They are both wearing red noses.

The Healing Power of Laughter and Play

Children watching clown performance through a tent

Introduction

When we think of humanitarian work, images of food distribution, medical supplies and shelter often come to mind. However, some organisations use an unconventional yet profoundly impactful tool to support healing and connection in crisis-stricken areas—clowning. Known as humanitarian clowning, this art form is much more than children’s entertainment. It plays a vital role in supporting psycho-social first aid. It is used to strengthen resilience and create positive human connections in some of the world’s most challenging places.

This blog explores the impactful work of Clowns Without Borders UK (CWB UK). You’ll learn how this unique form is used in emergency settings and how it can rebuild a sense of community in crisis situations.

What is Humanitarian Clowning?

Humanitarian clowning is an evolving practice, combining performance, improvisation, physical theatre and the universal language of humour and play. It aims to bring moments of joyful relief to communities in emergency contexts. Humanitarian clowns recongise that play and laughter are integral to recovery. By creating joyful experiences, they complement traditional aid efforts that focus on physical needs.

More Than Just Laughs

While it may seem light-hearted, the goal of humanitarian clowning often has profound impacts:

  • Supporting emotional recovery (psychosocial first-aid)

    • Children and communities have space to express their emotions in non-traditional and non-verbal ways, providing a safe space for emotional release.

  • Promoting Social Support

    • Creating moments of genuine human connection where communities can step away from everyday roles and stresses, building a sense of togetherness through laughter, play, and silliness.

  • Advocating for Laughter and Play as Esseintial 

  • Sharing Solidarity as a form of Mutual Support 

    • Communities are creators of their own joy. Performers and communities support each other through laughter, play and emotional connection. Clowns Without Borders UK creates highly participatory experiences that transcend traditional models of aid. We focus on embracing reciprocity, dignity and shared humanity.

The Global Landscape 

The frequency and intensity of crises created by conflict, extreme weather, and other shocks are increasing (World Social Report 2024). The number of forcibly displaced people is expected to climb to 15.2 million by the end of 2025. 

Children are disproportionately affected by involuntary displacement.  Disturbingly, almost 20% of children worldwide, approximately 420 million, live in conflict zones and reflects a rise of 30 million since 2016 (Save The Children, 2021).

As conflict, political instability and climate change persist, the number of affected children will rise. The increasing complexity of humanitarian crises will also require longer-term assistance for more children across all settings from hospitals to care homes to refugee camps, schools to rehabilitation centers (Global Humanitarian Assistance Report, 2023). 

Children, Clowns and Healing in Emergency Contexts

Female clown and child with red nose on laughin

In times of crisis, children are often the most vulnerable. Whether it’s the aftermath of a natural hazard, conflict or displacement, the emotional and psychological toll on young minds can not be overstated. Experts in humanitarian response and mental health support frequently emphasise children’s psychological needs in emergencies, highlighting the critical role that play and laughter can play in their healing process. 

When children live through extreme challenges, their emotional wellbeing must be prioritised to help them regain a sense of control and begin to cope with their experiences. This is where innovative approaches like humanitarian clowning can have a powerful impact. Dr Unni Krishnan, Global Humanitarian Director at Plan International refers to Clowns Without Borders work, 

“(When) children have gone through a traumatic experience, this innovative approach, which blends fun with psychological and humanitarian support, can reach children and help them heal faster.”

The Value of The Arts

The healing nature of humanitarian clowning aligns with the World Health Organisation’s calls for integrating arts and play into mental health initiatives in emergency settings. It also urges policymakers to increase access to these types of activities. By creating safe, joyous spaces, clowns provide tools for emotional healing in the language of the children; laughter and play.  In 2023 alone, Clowns Without Borders UK shared 128 performances to communities impacted by the earthquake in Turkey. Their programme brought laughter to more than 10,000 children.

“In a time of crisis, a closed-off child can laugh and a parent can see that and smile back, what a moment of relief when facing high levels of uncertainty,” emphasises Samantha Holdsworth, CEO of Clowns Without Borders UK.

The Anatomy of a Humanitarian Clowning

Female clown head shot smiling with arms above her head

A humanitarian clown is not your typical circus performer and performances are not conventionally set-up.

To create as much joyful impact as possible, Clowns Without Borders UK methodology focuses on pre-show promenades, performances and post-show play. Each phase is distinct but interconnected and leverages the unique skills of each particular clown. 

Pre-show promenades

The artists informally engage with the community, building rapport, observing dynamics and building a sense of anticipation. This stage is essential for understanding the ’emotional climate’, gently preparing the community for the shared experience ahead and attuning to their dynmaic needs. 

Performance

The artists are not only performers but facilitators of a shared narrative, where children often become the protagonists of each scene. The goal is to support them to take control of the storytelling. The clown’s expertise lies in creating a space where a performance happesn AND the audience has agency in shaping the experience, allowing them to express themselves, release emotions and find connection through spontaneous play. 

Pre-Show Play

Post-show interactions continue through relaxed play and smaller group moments. The aim is to deepen connections and validate emotions through playful and spontaneous interactions. CWB UK clowns actively try and bond with their audiences, ensuring they feel seen and valued amidst large-scale crises. This human connection is a crucial part of rebuilding hope.

The three phrases amplify the impact of humanitarian clowning. It’s about making people laugh AND using that as a bridge to healing. 

Clowns as a Complement to Emergency Assistance

Clowns Without Borders UK actively collaborates with local artists, grassroots organisations and international NGOs (INGOs) to ensure culturally relevant, sustainable, and impactful programmes. By working closely with trusted community members and organisations, we build long-term relationships that prioritise local expertise and resilience. In Turkey, throughout 2023 and 2024, Clowns Without Borders UK trained ten local artists who formed their own clowning team to deliver joyful activities as part of post-earthquake relief. In Ukraine, CWB UK is currently supporting artists with a similar programme. All CWB UK’s collaborations are designed to empower communities by building capacity from within.

And Finally

Humanitarian clowning isn’t only about bringing laughter to places overshadowed by crisis. It’s about restoring humanity where it feels stripped away. It’s the collaborative act of showing up with joy, playfulness and deep respect for a community’s experience. At its core, it’s about meaningful connection as a powerful way to support healing and hope. In an emergency context, humanitarian clowning recognises a person’s right to reclaim their joy, helping them rediscover something fundamental about themselves, like hope, resilience or a sense of normalcy.

Get Involved

Help us share joy and hope with communities in crisis around the world. Support or get involved with Clowns Without Borders UK, today.