The Well and McKeagney’s Chemist

The Well was established in May 2021 as a response to the mental health struggles of those in the Mourne and surrounding area. The well is an inclusive space available to the community to support those in crisis, break the cycle of intergenerational trauma that exists due to historical loss by suicide and to ensure the breaking down of social isolation, loneliness and suicidal behaviours.

They provide a holistic approach through a multi-disciplinary team consisting of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Trauma/Child Therapy, and a psychiatric nurse to name a few, and assist them in connecting back into their community.

The aim of the BCPP project was to reduce isolation, lift mood, and strengthen connections between individuals, community support services, and local pharmacy partners. We are proud to say that this project fully achieved those goals—and in doing so, delivered meaningful, lasting change to everyone involved.

When the project began, many participants were struggling. Low mood and feelings of isolation were common, and several individuals had little awareness of the support available in their local area. Over the course of the project, however, those initial challenges were met with compassion, community, and creativity.

Participants quickly bonded with one another, forming genuine connections as they engaged in group-led discussions on topics that mattered to them. These conversations created safe spaces for people to be heard and supported, and to realise they were not alone in their experiences. Many participants reported a sense of relief in meeting like-minded peers who shared similar day-to-day concerns.

A standout moment from the project was the progress made by one particular participant, who experienced a significant improvement in their overall wellbeing. They reported better day-to-day mood and improved sleep—tangible, life-enhancing outcomes that reflect the depth of impact this project can have.

The community support provided by The Well was particularly valued, helping participants learn about local resources they hadn’t previously known were available. This awareness played a critical role in helping individuals feel more supported and empowered.

I’d forgotten what it felt like to laugh. That session broke something open for me.

Participant/ The Well

The project also delivered benefits beyond the participant group. For the pharmacy partner, BCPP created an opportunity to step outside of the traditional dispensary role and engage directly with patients. These in-depth conversations allowed the pharmacist to gain valuable insights into the personal factors affecting how individuals manage their health and medication. This human connection allowed for more compassionate, informed care.

From a community partner perspective, our ongoing collaboration with the pharmacy team has been immensely beneficial. The strengthened relationship means we can now more easily streamline support for individuals—connecting them to resources without adding to the pressure on already stretched health services. Together, we’re helping people access timely, appropriate help through alternative, community-based pathways.

What truly brought the project to life, however, were the innovative and engaging sessions we incorporated. Two experiences stood out in particular:

Laughing Yoga, led by an exceptional facilitator, added a joyful, unexpected dimension to the programme. For many participants, it was the first time they had laughed in years. The sessions created a shared sense of fun and freedom, breaking down social barriers and building trust within the group. One participant reflected on how they’d forgotten what it felt like to laugh freely—and how good it felt to rediscover that part of themselves.

Sarah Hypnotherapy introduced participants to the science and benefits of hypnotherapy, offering new perspectives on managing mental health. Through her sessions, participants gained insight into how the brain works, and how hypnotherapy could be used as a tool for healing. This educational approach was both empowering and inspiring, opening the door to alternative methods of self-care.

The approach used to delivering the programme was shaped by a deep understanding of participant needs, and focused on six core elements to ensure everyone felt welcome, engaged, and supported:

• Relaxed Venue Atmosphere
• Conversation Starters
• Individual Support
• Interactive Activities
• Creative Expression
• Feedback and Reflection