Stress management training sessions involving nurses working in a psychiatric hospital were piloted. The recruitment of staff proved difficult so different methods of organizing the sessions were employed. Factors which influenced participation and which might be improved upon in the future are discussed.

This paper describes levels of psychological distress and accounts of disaster among the local host community following the Hillsborough Football Stadium disaster. Thirty-two participants were interviewed 4 6 months after the event. Rates of psychological distress symptoms were high in the sample as measured by PTSD (DSM 111 criteria), Impact of Events Scale (IES) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). The study also explores the relationships between levels of exposure, levels of distress and participants' accounts of the disaster. Implications for community outreach projects after disasters are discussed.