Name: Claire Mathieu
Work Areas: Based Cambridge. Primarily in East Anglia & London.
Services: Workshops, Creative and Performance Led Events, One-off and Special Events.
Web: claire.mathieu@laughternetwork.co.uk
Contact: N/A Mobile: 07760 157 594

Summary: Laughter and fun facilitator, drama and storywork facilitator.

Personal statement: Inspired by the idea that laughter can help to enhance our overall wellbeing, Claire's approach focuses on discovering our innate sense of fun and creativity. She draws on ideas from a variety of sources, including Dr Kataria's School of Laughter Yoga, the Laughter Network and the Happiness Project.

Claire trained as a drama and movement therapist in the Sesame Method, a non-confrontational approach which incorporates drama, myth and story, movement and play. During her training she became particularly interested in the power of stories to help us to explore the things that matter most to us. This led to further training in the use of story in education and therapy, after which she set up a creative storymaking group for adults, working with stories from around the world and exploring these through drama, art, music and games. She now brings laughter into her storymaking work where appropriate.

Her performance-led work to date has included creating shows with Libra Theatre Company and clients of the Papworth Trust, in each case working with adults with a range of learning and physical disabilities. She has also facilitated special needs projects for the Workers' Educational Association, Cambridgeshire Community Education, and Headway Brain Injury Association. Her recent laughter work has included tailor-made sessions with sixth form students and for Breast Cancer Care.

Claire's laughter sessions and workshops are aimed at encouraging natural laughter for wellbeing and joy.