Abstract Background Transferring effective health and wellbeing interventions into community-based settings is challenging, with many only ever implemented in the academic settings in which they were developed. Over the last few years, Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRT), a community-based intervention for refugee youth reporting symptoms of post-traumatic stress, has been scaled up across Sweden using the model of a distribution network pathway. This means the lead organisation works with a distribution organisation using the latter's existing network of implementing organisations. Often the distribution partner is a national organisation with many local member agencies. The model offers possibility for quick spread, but only allows for a low level of control at the local site level. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors and agents that have facilitated the implementation and maintenance of TRT from successful sites, in order to inform ongoing efforts to scale up the intervention. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with personnel from 'successful' TRT sites, defined as having conducted at least two TRT groups and maintaining full delivery of the programme. Interview data were analysed using content analysis. Results Our results indicated that active networking and collaboration were key to successful maintenance of TRT delivery. Active recruitment strategies, resource availability and management, and careful integration of the interpreter were also raised as important factors. Conclusions Although the interviewed professionals represented successful sites, they remained dependent on informal networks and collaboration for programme delivery. The possibility of integrating TRT into a local stepped-care model for post-traumatic stress in refugee children and adolescents will be presented. Key messages Transferring effective health and wellbeing interventions into community-based settings is challenging, with many only ever implemented in the academic settings in which they were developed. Active networking and collaboration are key to successful maintenance of community interventions.