‘It was like a little family’: A qualitative study of online hearing voices peer support groups in the <scp>NHS</scp>

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the experiences of individuals attending an online hearing voices peer support group (HVG) conducted within the UK's National Health Service (NHS). The purpose of the study was to assess acceptability of the HVG in an NHS context and to understand relational dynamics within the group. METHODS: A nested qualitative study was conducted within a non-randomised feasibility trial of an online HVG. All participants (N = 9) completed baseline and end-of-study qualitative interviews about their voice hearing and group experiences. Interviews were analysed using framework analysis. RESULTS: Data were organised into four themes. Participants described two orientation tendencies within the group, both with associated subthemes: (1) seeking connection (shame and isolation spurred interest in the group, active digital participation and engagement facilitated a sense of connection, value of an alternative); and (2) seeking to learn (searching for solutions, cameras enabled the modulation of engagement but inhibited group ownership, a useful addition to care). Participants likewise described (3) voices' experiences in the group; and (4) the impact of the group (impact on voices, impact on sense of self and hope for the future). CONCLUSIONS: Despite their differing expectations for the group, experiences in the group and relationship with the online medium of the group, both the participants seeking connection and those seeking to learn reported benefits from group attendance in terms of self-acceptance and hope for the future. Further research is needed to understand how to incorporate this survivor-led approach into the NHS.