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Table 2 Themes

From: Patient and befriender experiences of participating in a befriending programme for adults with psychosis: a qualitative study

Main Theme

Sub-themes patient

Sub-themes befriender

Bridging the gap

Normalising schizophrenia

Changing perceptions of schizophrenia

Is the gap too big to bridge?

My match was an easy one

A genuine relationship that developed over time

Developing a genuine and reciprocal friendship

Attuning to my match

Befriending can be emotional

A big commitment

It doesn’t feel like they have time for me

Befriending is a bigger commitment than I originally thought

Befriending is a voluntary role

It’s volunteering so there is no obligation

A flexible approach

The scheme needs to be flexible to differing needs

The balance between pushing and patronising

Achieving goals vs. having someone to talk to