“For them and for me”: a qualitative exploration of peer befrienders’ experiences supporting people with aphasia in the SUPERB feasibility trial

Northcott, S.; Behn, N.; Monnelly, K.; Moss, B.; Marshall, J.; Thomas, S.; Simpson, A.; McVicker, S.; Flood, C.; Goldsmith, K.; Hilari, K.

Abstract

Purpose

Peer-befriending, where support is offered by someone with shared lived experience, is an intervention that may facilitate successful adjustment in people experiencing post-stroke aphasia. This paper explores the experiences of the peer-befrienders.

Materials and methods

People with aphasia were recruited as peer-befrienders within the SUPERB trial investigating befriending for people with post-stroke aphasia. The intervention comprised six visits over three months. Peer-befrienders were matched with at least one befriendee and received training and ongoing supervision. They were invited to participate in in-depth interviews which were analysed using framework analysis.

Results

All 10 befrienders participated in interviews, reporting on 19 matches. Seven main themes emerged: content of the sessions; befriender–befriendee relationship; negotiating the visits; handling boundaries and endings; positive impact of the befriending for befrienders and befriendees; and beliefs about the nature and value of peer support. While befrienders described challenges, such as negotiating journeys and witnessing distress, the role was perceived as a “secure challenge” due to the support and training received.

Conclusions

Befrienders perceived the role as enjoyable and rewarding, and felt they were making a positive difference. They were unanimous in believing that people with aphasia can offer unique and valuable support to others with aphasia.

Citation

Northcott, S., Behn, N., Monnelly, K., Moss, B., Marshall, J., Thomas, S., …Hilari, K. (2021). “For them and for me”: a qualitative exploration of peer befrienders’ experiences supporting people with aphasia in the SUPERB feasibility trial. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(18), 5025-5037. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1922520

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 23, 2021
• Online Publication Date: May 23, 2021
• Publication Date: May 23, 2021
• Deposit Date: Jun 9, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 17, 2021
• Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation
• Print ISSN: 0963-8288
• Electronic ISSN: 1464-5165
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 44
• Issue: 18
• Pages: 5025-5037
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1922520
• Keywords: Rehabilitation
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5620199
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2021.1922520