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The facilitators strive to create a learning environment that is safe, supportive and non‐judgemental. They pay careful attention to how they can make everybody feel welcome and have tools that make it easier for all participants to become involved. On the last day of the course one participant said: ‘I feel safe, people are open, inclusive and understanding’ (Group 5). It is always a choice to speak in the group. However, experiences show that all participants contribute in the group even if the person may hesitate in the beginning. A woman (aged 40 plus) who was very active in the group said: ‘I haven’t dared to talk in a group before… I have always been shy from my seventh school year until now’ (Group 2).

The Evoke cards were useful: ‘Using pictures was brilliant… It’s easier to recognise oneself in the images’ (Group 3); ‘They make it easier to speak’ (Group 4). Each person’s contribution is appreciated and there are no right or wrong answers. One participant felt included: ‘I was told to feel free to say whatever I liked, nothing was too silly or weird’ (Group 3). Participants learn from each other: ‘I have been challenged by what others have shared and have learned a lot from listening’ (Group 5). The groups seem to represent a different way of being in a social setting: ‘I come as I am, I do not worry about details about how I’m dressed’ (Group 5); ‘This group is different’ (Group 1); ‘There is an acceptance of problems and challenges as a resource, a sense that everybody is vulnerable, and we all need each other. We meet and talk about things without the wrapping’ (Group 2).

The participants appreciated that the professionals participated at the same level as the service users. One participant (a service user) said: ‘I realised I know as much as the professionals’ (Group 5). Some of the participants experienced being of help to others and this contributed to a more positive view of oneself: ‘Think in a new way – being good enough – an experience of being good enough’ (Group 1).