LAUGHTER is the best medicine when it comes to raising awareness about domestic violence and homelessness.

The West Dorset Women’s Refuge held a laughter workshop at the Borough Garden’s in Dorchester to raise awareness about the shelter.

Jo Keane, project worker at the Raglan Housing-supprted facility, said: “We hoped that by taking laughter to the streets we could bring a little cheer while at the same time raising awareness of what is a serious subject.

“Laughter can at least help bring some light relief into stressful situations that many of our vulnerable residents face on a daily basis.

“Raglan Housing is in the serious business of caring for some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable members of our community.

“The women’s refuge is just one example of a Raglan scheme that provides temporary accommodation and support for women and children at risk of domestic violence.”

Local workers, shoppers and passing residents were encouraged to join in with the side-splitting laughter workshop as part of the National Housing Federation’s South West Support Matters Month.

The aim was to get as many people as possible to laugh, help improve their mental and physical health, while at the same time learning more about supported housing schemes such as the refuge.