A transformative mental health therapy rooted in Zimbabwean culture is gaining global traction and recognition. The initiative, known as the Friendship Bench, utilizes the wisdom of older women, particularly grandmothers, to provide accessible mental health support in communities facing limited resources.
The Friendship Bench operates by placing trained grandmothers on simple wooden benches in various settings such as community clinics, churches, and universities. These women engage individuals in one-on-one conversations, offering a compassionate ear and practical problem-solving strategies. This approach draws from an ancient Zimbabwean tradition where grandmothers acted as community pillars during challenging times.
Founded by Dixon Chibanda, a psychiatry professor, the Friendship Bench has garnered international acclaim. In 2022, it received a $150,000 prize from the McNulty Foundation for its innovative approach to mental healthcare. The program has expanded beyond Zimbabwe to countries including Vietnam, Botswana, Malawi, Kenya, and Tanzania, with early implementations also taking place in London.
In the United States, the Friendship Bench concept is inspiring new mental health initiatives. New York City’s mental health plan has integrated the idea by installing orange benches in neighborhoods such as Harlem, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Additionally, HelpAge USA in Washington, D.C., is incorporating the model into its Grandparents for Mental Health campaign, training grandmothers to listen and support individuals in low-income communities.
The initiative aims to combat the stigma surrounding mental health, which often limits access to care. With more than one-fifth of adults in the U.S. experiencing mental illness, the Friendship Bench provides a reliable source of support. The program emphasizes the importance of community-based care, where individuals can share their struggles in a safe environment.
Chibanda’s motivation for establishing the Friendship Bench stemmed from a personal tragedy in 2005, when a patient took her own life due to financial constraints preventing her from accessing care. Since its inception, the program has trained over 2,000 grandmothers in Zimbabwe, reaching nearly 200,000 individuals by 2023.
The Friendship Bench exemplifies a significant shift in attitudes towards mental health, fostering open dialogue and reducing stigma. As communities continue to embrace this model, it highlights the potential for culturally grounded mental health solutions to address the global mental health crisis effectively.
