Family life in Northern Ireland in 2012

When I ask you about your family, who do you think of/include?

And when it comes to your immediate family, the family that you live with, it would be helpful at this stage to know a little bit about the household structure – the number of people who live in the family, their ages and relationship to you.

We would now like to hear about the things that make up and matter to your family, what it's like, the things you would say if you were describing this family to somebody who didn't know you.

When you think of your family, what words or phrases come to your mind?

What struggles does the family face? (prompt: health, income, accessing services)

Would you say that you face these struggles as a family together or is it one or a few people who do all the worrying/adjustment?

Would you like to change anything about your family life?

(If yes) What three things would you most like to change?

Do you think that people in your situation can generally change things if they want to?

What makes you most proud about your family?

Who are the people that rely on you in life?

We’re also interested in how families support each other, where that support comes from and what form it takes. The next few questions are about the give and take of family life.

Living on a tight budget can put a strain on families but sometimes it can also bring families closer together. Can you tell me how living on a tight budget affects your family?

Tell us about your good days and your bad days – what would a good day be like and a bad one?

Have you ever felt embarrassed because you have a low income?

Where do you get your own support or help from, especially when you have difficult decisions to make?

Who, if anybody, is particularly good to you when you’re up against it in financial terms?

And are there other types of help or support that they give to you?

Who, if anybody, are you particularly good to when they’re up against it in financial terms?