Stress Control Malahide: Tackling Stress with Community Support

Malahide, a town of approximately 18,000 people just north of Dublin, faced a challenging period following a series of tragic incidents, including several suicides. In response, a shared sentiment emerged: the community needed to come together to improve the mental health and wellbeing of its residents. Ideas poured in from all corners, and two clinical psychologists, Dr Alison Rooney and Dr Mark Harrold—both experienced Stress Control trainers—decided to contribute by offering a Stress Control class. With no funding available from the health service, they rallied a group of enthusiastic volunteers to help plan and deliver the programme.

Typically, Stress Control trainers, accustomed to working within underfunded health services, make do with low-cost venues like draughty church halls and rely on poorly photocopied booklets. It’s a pragmatic, no-frills approach born out of necessity. Alison and Mark, however, decided to do things differently. They believed that treating people with respect—through quality surroundings and well-produced materials—would enhance participants’ experience and engagement.

Rather than settling for the local church hall or a noisy community centre, they approached Malahide’s prestigious Grand Hotel. A deal was struck to hire the ballroom for the six-session course at a significantly reduced rate, thanks to the hotel’s desire to support its community. A local business stepped in to fund professionally printed booklets, while past Stress Control attendees, wanting to give something back, volunteered to set up the room—laying out booklets on chairs, checking people in, and creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Funds were raised by people who ran sponsored marathons, organised pub quizzes and dances, or simply donated money via collection buckets placed on shop counters. This enabled the team to cover costs such as burning CDs (this was before online tracks were widely accessible). Social media was used to publicise the classes. Priests informed congregations, encouraging them to attend. Leaflets were distributed to shops, libraries, crèches, and other local venues. Word soon spread, but the team had another brilliant idea to raise awareness—and this was when I became involved.

Mark got in touch and invited me to attend the final session and contribute to the teaching. He wouldn’t reveal too much about how the class was going but did say, ‘Something special is happening here.’ When he picked me up from the airport and we drove into Malahide, he pointed out large yellow circles displayed around the town—tied to school gates, hung in house windows, placed in shop fronts, outside the GP surgery, and in many other locations. Mark explained that class attendees were encouraged to use these yellow circles as a cue to practise their Belly Breathing. A brilliant idea! Of course, another benefit was that passers-by, curious about the circles, would ask about them—spreading awareness of the class even further.

When I arrived at the final session, I was astonished. The ballroom was packed with 450 seats, yet Alison told me that even at the first session, hardly any had been left empty. As the room filled for the final session, every seat was taken, with more people standing at the back. For a town of 18,000, this turnout was extraordinary—over 600 attendees in total. I don’t think I have ever experienced such an electric, positive atmosphere at a Stress Control class. Imagine being someone who felt ashamed of struggling with anxiety or depression, only to walk into a room filled with over 600 people—friends, family, and neighbours—all there to learn about stress and discover practical ways to cope.

At the end of the session, I stepped back and listened as so many people approached Alison and Mark to express their gratitude. It was humbling to hear several say that, had it not been for the class, they might not have been able to fight off the very dark thoughts they had been battling. Some even admitted they had feared they had reached the end of their tether.

This was a remarkable example of two highly skilled psychologists collaborating with a diverse group of community members, each contributing in their own way to create something truly special. For me, it was the most moving experience I have ever had with Stress Control—a powerful testament to what can be achieved when we believe in what we are doing and work as a team to make it a success.