Subtheme

Code

Example Units

Number of participants identifying code

Psychological Benefit

Confidence

“it hasn’t in as much as coming by ring and ride, coz now I can come on that on my own, you know, which I wouldn’t have done, at first, at all.” (P4)

“Coming here gives you a lot more confidence in yourself.” (P2)

“Yes, sometimes before I start going here I used to fear to go out. You know, but since I’m coming here I am more guts to go out.” (P3)

P1, P2, P3, P4, P7

4/8 participants

Upward social comparison and benefit finding

“I think [the leader] gives you lots of confidence because she’s confident in herself”. (P2)

“I think meeting people who have got the same disabilities helps because you can see how they progress, and you are too, progress the same” (P8)

Because I see them every week I can see how they progress, and then I can see… (P7)

P1, P2, P7, P8

4/8 participants

Realisation or acknowledgement of ability

“I think it’s helped me realise my limitations, because going round the circuit that [physiotherapist leader’s] done, I usually have to have a rest in between. And its helped me realise that you do have to give into it for a short while and then start again.” (P4)

Because I see them every week I can see how they progress, and then I can see… I cant see myself obviously, my progress, but I’ve been told I’m getting better at doing certain activities… with my hand, you know” (P7)

P4, P7

2/8 participants

Being able to help others (student volunteers) by attending

“Yes, that’s it. From the students [volunteers], one exercise… All of it” (P6)

“oh definitely yes, because I’m helping them, obviously not helping them but they’re using me and I’m using them”. (P7)

“yes, and I think working with the students [volunteers] helps, because a lot of physios, physio sessions iv been to, mainly are for the elderly, and it’s nice to have younger people around you” (P8)

P6,P7,P8

3/8 participants

Quality of life benefit

Meaningful activity which is enjoyable

“I like everything, I go round everything.” (P5)

“I look forward to it [coming to charity]” (P7)

“it’s given me…something to do on my own” (P4)

P4,P5,P7,P7

4/8 participants

Social benefit

Emotional and esteem support increasing social confidence

“It means being able to talk to people and is much easier now with the group because we all talk.” (P1)

“I am louder when I am more comfortable with people.”(P3)

“…we chat on the bus…and look forward to seeing them” (P2)

I can’t see myself obviously, my progress, but I’ve been told I’m getting better at doing certain activities… with my hand, you know” (P7)

P1,P2,P3,P7

4/8 participants

Sense of unity and belonging

“Now I feel I belong a lot more” (P1)

“it helps me seeing other disabled people” (P7)

“I come in and I like [patient at charity]” (P5)

P1,P5,P7

3/8 participants

Safe experience

“The only time I do go out on my own is here, with the ring and ride. And that’s the only time really that I’m on my own” (P4)

“As long as there’s someone there to help me it doesn’t stop me going out.” (P2)

P2,P4

2/8 participants

Relatedness and shared experience

“Because you’re meeting other people that have got the same problem as you so you don’t feel like the odd one out.” P2

“Because the people with the same complaint and has helped me because they talking to me and listen to me and hold hands and talk about the decision about the stroke and so I am more confident now”. P3

“Mixing with people with the same sort of disability as myself” (P7)

P2,P3,P7,P8

3/8 participants