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Table 2 Three phases of the structured befriending intervention

From: Resiliency Engagement and Care in Health (REaCH): a telephone befriending intervention for upskilled rural youth in the context of COVID-19 pandemic—study protocol for a multi-centre cluster randomised controlled trial

Phase

Objectives

Interventions

Phase 1: Proactive engagement and crisis intervention

— To provide emotional support

— To provide strategies to alleviate distress and crisis

In this session the befriender will:

— Establish a positive and supportive relationship with the participant,

— Provide emotional support

— Psycho-education about COVID-19 including precautionary measures,

— Enquire about general health and biological functioning.

Phase 2: Problem-solving oriented supportive therapy

— To provide strategies to solve client’s problems

This includes five general stages:

— Problem orientation: Helping participant to identify the most distressing problem

— Problem definition and formulation: defining the problem based on its impact on day to day functioning

— Generation of alternatives: Helping the participant to identify alternative options

— Assist the decision-making

— Propose strategies to implement

Phase 3: Assertive linkage with community resources

— To utilise community resources for the well-being

— To solve a crisis like job loss, financial insecurity, etc.

In this session, the befriender will:

— Provide practical support and information;

— Emphasise on social support and will provide strategies to improve it,

— Reassurance to the participant before termination of the session.