Emotional support

I think they (the group) were very encouraging. I get a lot of encouragement, you know, and friendliness. (male stroke survivor, interview)

I enjoyed the company. They were all friendly, and they helped you. (female stroke survivor, interview)

Meaning‐making through sharing experiences

It gives you a chance to hear other people's experiences … You know that they can get about as well as you can and that it's not the end of the world and there's still time for improvement, that's the main thing. It is good to get out and meet people and find they can live cheerful lives. (male stroke survivor, interview)

The fear that stroke affected me disappeared. Sharing experiences dissipated the fear and made the future more meaningful. (male stroke survivor, feedback form)

Modelling of behaviours and coping strategies

Since I came here I get the idea this is not the end of my life. I'm going to keep on pushing. (female stroke survivor, interview)

Information provision

What I found very informing was the amount of things you can get (from local community services and groups). I didn't know about those things, because where I never go out from here, I don't sort of get to know about them. (female stroke survivor, interview)

Social comparison

Hearing how they coped so well made me realise how lucky I am compared to others. (female stroke survivor, feedback form)

I know a lot of people that have had strokes and when I look at them, you know, they're in wheelchairs or things like that and I think how lucky I am, I really say how lucky I am. (female stroke survivor, interview)