Table 1 Focus group questions divided according to week

Week One

Your views of the lockdown(s)

Last week marked one year since the first lockdown came into place. Looking back, how did you feel when the first lockdown was announced? Have those feelings changed since then? If yes, in what way? What, for you, were the advantages and disadvantages to the first and subsequent lockdowns?

Week Two

Perceived Coercion: The extent to which we feel we have choice, freedom, and control over our lives

From our survey, some individuals reported feeling coerced as they experienced a loss of choice, control and freedom over their lives due to the lockdown(s). Reflecting on your own personal circumstances (i.e. living, work, family or other circumstances), what factors played a role on how you viewed the lockdown? How did those personal circumstances impact on whether you perceived the lockdown as coercive?

Week Three

Your Mental Health

Welcome to our final week! Last week we pondered about the extent to which you felt free and in control of your life during lockdown and how this feeling was impacted by your own personal circumstances. This week, we’ll delve into your emotional wellbeing instead.

How has the lockdown impacted on your mental health? What have you done so far to try to stay well? How would the announcement of a future lockdown impact on your mental health? What support (psychological, physical or other) do you feel you need now for your emotional wellbeing? What support would you benefit from in the future should this be announced?