Spreading joy in challenging times: A conversation with Craig Russell, Emergency Smile Head of Mission

At RED NOSES International, our mission is to bring laughter, joy, and emotional relief to those who need it most, delivered through four international healthcare clowning programmes. Through our Emergency Smile programme, healthcare clown artists travel to crisis-affected areas worldwide, providing psychosocial support and emotional relief to communities in need.

Today, we are proud to share some insights from Craig Russell, Head of Mission and Emergency Smile Coordinator. With over 21 missions across five countries under his belt, Craig’s dedication to bringing hope and resilience to those facing forced displacement is truly inspiring. Join us as he reflects on his frontline work, particularly in Lesvos, Greece, home to the largest displacement camp in Europe, where the need for emotional support is especially urgent.

• Quick introduction of yourself: What is your name, how many missions have you completed so far, what do you love most about your job, and what is the hardest challenge you face? 

  Hello, I’m Craig Russell, Head of Mission and Emergency Smile Coordinator. I have now completed 21 missions with RED NOSES Emergency Smile across 5 countries: Greece, Italy, Morocco, Mozambique and Türkiye. Usually, a mission is approximately one month long.

   

• Why is there a need for Emergency Smile in Lesvos, Greece?

  Every year, thousands of people from many different countries make the dangerous journey of crossing from Türkiye to Lesvos by sea.

  On Lesvos there is a Closed Controlled Access Centre (CCAC), and as of January 2025, there are over 3800 migrants currently living there. This is actually the biggest centre in the whole of Europe. These individuals face immense challenges, uncertainty and difficult living conditions. We work with various organisations in Lesvos to provide much-needed emotional relief and support to these people.

   

• Why has Emergency Smile tried to establish a more continuous presence in Lesvos?

  When we’re in the same place repeatedly, we can build a stronger connection with the people... Also, the team get to know the context better, know the partners better etc. All this knowledge helps our work, as we forge stronger connections and partnerships.

• What are the primary challenges you encounter during the planning phase of a mission?

  Every mission is so different and every one of them has its own challenges. Sometimes it may be working out the best schedule times, so kids can attend school and then go to our activities. Elsewhere during planning, it may be a logistical challenge, such as soon after an earthquake, what building is safe for the team to sleep in each night there. Even if we have been to a place previously, the situation can change in a matter of months there. This is why it’s vital to have good partnerships on the ground that can help us with all these aspects of the planning and have up to date information.

   

• What role do partnerships with local organizations in Greece play in the programme's success?

  Partnerships with organisations play a crucial role in the Emergency Smile programme, as they have so much information on who needs us the most, and when is the best time to see them and where. Plus, these organisations can then provide us with an environment that is safe for our audiences and suitable for doing our work.

   

• How do you support the mental health of your team members during missions?

  Every team member has a check in with the Emergency Smile management team before going on a mission. During the mission, the whole team debriefs every working day. If the need arises, there’s also an option of getting professional supervision in your native language during the mission or afterwards with a psychotherapist.

• How does the programme cater to the specific needs of different vulnerable groups, such as children with disabilities or unaccompanied minors?

  Every night the team meets and plans the next day, so we can cater to the specific needs of the people we are working with the following day. As the clowns all work in hospitals and various other social institutions, they have experience of working with various disabilities and ages. With Unaccompanied Minors we often use our Circus Smile format, where we use the teaching of circus skills, such as juggling, to help develop abilities such as self-confidence, and experience a feeling of achievement and control over their own situation.

   

• Why are humor and laughter so important for people facing forced displacement? 

  Evidence suggests that art and humour are incredible tools when it comes to strengthening the resilience of human beings in the face of stress and trauma. Humour and laughter can also contribute to the mental health improvement of vulnerable groups. We can hopefully give people a safe space where they can express themselves and feel empowered.

• What motivated you personally to become involved with Emergency Smile, and what keeps you inspired?

  I had been working in refugee camps for nearly 2 years in Greece when I met the RED NOSES International. I saw and heard how the kids laughed in the camp and reacted positively to the clowns. I had their parents telling me how good it was for the kids and asking if the clowns were going to return. That’s when I knew that the Emergency Smile programme was something very special and wanted to be part of it. Striving to create a positive impact on every mission is what keeps me inspired.

Stay tuned for updates on upcoming missions and the incredible stories of resilience and connection that emerge from the field. Thank you for supporting RED NOSES International and Emergency Smile and being part of this meaningful journey.