Industry comes together for a major day of action

Comedians are coming together for a day of action to highlight the homelessness crisis.

It will feature a string of gigs across the country to raise money to help those in need, as well as workshops for vulnerable people.

Comedians Vs. Homelessness will take place on October 8, and is being driven by Comedy Army—a collective that includes those who have experienced homelessness alongside comedy, healthcare, production and tech professionals.

Unveiling the project at the SXSW London festival, comedian and Comedy Army co-founder JoJo Sutherland, pictured, said: ‘Every comedian I know is well aware of the therapeutic power of comedy — that’s why we are comedians. My own personal stories of grief, trauma and chaos have been regaled to audiences worldwide over the last 25 years. 

‘Comedians Vs. Homelessness isn’t a charity gig with line-ups thrown together to grab headlines: it’s comedians from across the spectrum coming home to the circuit, for one day, for onecause to stand up for some of the most vulnerable in society, to help  themstand up for themselves.’

Another co-founder, Lu Jackson of Craic Health, added: ‘We need to restore people’s sense of self, connection and possibility—and comedy is uniquely placed to do that.’

Line-ups and precise details of the events will be announced nearer the time, but the first comic to be named as taking part is Jonathan Pie creator Tom Walker.

He said: ‘Comedy has always held up a mirror to society—but sometimes, it needs to do more than reflect. Sometimes, it needs to respond. This isn’t just about raising money, or even raising awareness—it’s about raising each other. 

‘Homelessness is not just about people losing homes. It’s about people losing safety, dignity, and hope. If comedy can bring a moment of light into that darkness, then it has to try. And for the comedy industry—after years of shutdowns, losses and precarity—this is a rallying cry. A chance to come together, use our voices for good, and show what this community is made of.’

The initiative stems from the 'comedy on prescription' idea, which uses comedy to help those experiencing mental ill-health and isolation

MP and doctor Simon Opher has been campaigning for comedy to be available on the NHS, alongside existing social prescribing models. He said: ‘While comedy is about laughter and, crucially, laughing together, it's also about looking at life from a different angle, and by seeing the funny side of our day to day, it allows us to move on from our problems. While it will not be for everyone, I believe that a large number of patients could benefit as an alternative option for mental healthcare.’

Profits from ticket sales, merchandise and donations from Comedians Vs. Homelessness will be split 50/50 between homeless charities and comedy-on-prescription programmes, bringing workshops and live events into homeless shelters and other venues. 

It is estimated that there are 400,000 people without a stable home on any given night in the UK.

Line-ups, venues and other information about Comedians Vs. Homelessness will be released nearer the time, but a ticket ballot has already opened at comedy.army.

Published: 6 Jun 2025