A healthcare provider in Liverpool has become the first in the country to use comedy to help patients with communication difficulties.

Those working in speech and language therapy jobs may soon take up the technique currently being used by Liverpool Community Health. NHS Liverpool have partnered with The Comedy Trust and are inviting those with speech and communication difficulties to apply for places on the new scheme.

Participants on the programme will use humour and drama to play out every day scenarios which can turn into difficult situations for those that sometimes struggle with communication. Scenarios such as banking, ordering a meal and using public transport will be covered using a combination of communication strategies and humour.

Six fortnightly sessions are currently on offer to patients and the short course is to be held at Lifehouse in Brunswick Business Park. The Comedy Trust run the annual Liverpool Comedy Festival and have participated in a number of innovative health projects run by the local NHS.

Ann Nelson from The Comedy Trust said: "Certain situations can be very difficult and frustrating for those who struggle to express themselves. This course will use both speech therapy and laughter to show people that these types of difficult situations can be overcome."

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Gillian Dowman told Click Liverpool: "We are delighted to be able to offer our patients such an innovative and important approach to therapy. It is quite exciting from our point of view as it enables people to look at difficulties they may encounter in a much more supported and yet light-hearted way."