TABLE 2.

Themes and sub‐themes resulting from the thematic analysis

Theme	Sub‐theme
Benefits to clients	‐ Encouraging clients to eat and keep physically active ‐ Carrying out chores for clients ‐ Carrying out welfare checks ‐ Identifying, addressing and reducing isolation and loneliness ‐ Promoting independence and rehabilitation following hospital discharge
Benefits to employees	‐ Sense of pride, giving something back, being caring ‐ Reciprocal positive relationships with clients
Being the fourth emergency service	‐ Being the first responders ‐ Getting food to clients during adverse circumstances
Wider benefits to the community	‐ Reducing pressures on families
Challenges faced by the service	‐ Organisational challenges ‐ Restrictions on time spent with clients
Challenges that emerged during the pandemic	‐ Demands on resources ‐ Impact on client and staff wellbeing ‐ Concerns about the future of MoWs, particularly in further lockdowns