Table 3 Outline of peer support group sessions

Overall objectives:

 1. To connect women with counsellor and with other women in the intervention cluster

 2. To provide community-based peer support in line with the key messages of the intervention programme

 3. Demonstrate practical activities which bridge theory into practice

 4. To create a non-clinical ‘safe space’ for women to express their concerns, ask questions and share experiences

 5. To welcome an opportunity for partners, family members or friends to participate in the intervention

Healthy Living Coach (HLC) to make all practical arrangements for the community-based support group sessions: book/arrange suitable venue, ensure minimum number of participants at set time, organise refreshments, keep attendance register and records for process evaluation, invite experts if needed/wanted

HLC are provided with a general format for each session, including activities and materials relevant to each theme

General Format:

 1. Icebreaker

 2. Introduction from HLC about the theme of each session and why it is important to attend all three sessions

 3. What does x mean to you (being healthy, eating well, physical activity, self-care)? HLC to elicit baseline of knowledge and build on what they know

 4. Short presentation on Diet/ Physical Activity/Self-care

 5. Group activities: eg cooking demonstrations, physical activity, group sharing, meditation

 6. Discussion and feed back

GROUP 1: Making Healthier Choices (CAPABILITY)—The WHAT

Objectives:

 1. To develop the knowledge and skills to enable behaviour change in diet, physical activity and self-care

 2. To demonstrate skills through practical activities

GROUP 2: Finding Solutions (OPPORTUNITY)—The HOW

Objectives:

 1. To share ideas and experiences for how to overcome common barriers in the social and physical environment

 2. To generate context-specific and realistic solutions in a supportive group setting

GROUP 3: Self-care and becoming an agent of change (MOTIVATION)—The WHY

Objectives:

 1. To develop a sense of agency to change oneself and one’s family by sharing success stories and practical strategies

 2. To align healthy lifestyle behaviours with core values and identity

 3. To raise greater self-awareness of mental and physical health and convey a more holistic approach to health

 4. To reinforce the concept of women becoming their own “body experts”—informed and proactive patients