Zimbabwe’s “Friendship Bench” Grandmothers Boost Mental Health

In Zimbabwe, a unique mental health initiative is making a significant impact by harnessing the wisdom and compassion of grandmothers. Dubbed the “Friendship Bench,” this program provides a safe space for individuals to discuss their mental health challenges with trained elderly women, affectionately known as “grandmothers.”

The Friendship Bench was conceptualized by Dr. Dixon Chibanda in 2006 after the loss of a patient to suicide. Driven by a desire to prevent such tragedies, Dr. Chibanda developed a community-based approach to mental health care, utilizing the social standing and empathetic nature of grandmothers in Zimbabwean society.

This innovative program addresses the country’s mental health crisis, where limited resources and stigma often prevent people from seeking help. In Zimbabwe, like many other low-income countries, mental health services are scarce, with fewer than 20 psychiatrists serving a population of over 15 million. The Friendship Bench seeks to bridge this gap by providing accessible, affordable, and effective mental health care.

The grandmothers, who undergo extensive training in evidence-based talk therapy, offer support to individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. They meet with clients on benches in local communities, providing a familiar and non-threatening environment for open dialogue. This method has proven successful, with studies showing significant reductions in depressive symptoms among participants.

One of the program’s success stories is that of Tatenda, a young woman who battled severe depression following the death of her parents. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to receive help, she found solace in the Friendship Bench. “Talking to the grandmother on the bench gave me hope and strength,” Tatenda shared. “She listened without judgment and helped me find ways to cope.”

The Friendship Bench model has gained international recognition, leading to its expansion beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. The program now operates in countries such as Malawi, Kenya, and Zanzibar, adapting the approach to fit different cultural contexts. This expansion is supported by partnerships with global health organizations and academic institutions, which have helped to validate the program’s effectiveness through rigorous research.

Dr. Chibanda, the visionary behind the Friendship Bench, emphasizes the importance of community involvement in mental health care. “Mental health care should not be confined to hospitals. It needs to be embedded in the community, where people feel comfortable and supported,” he said. The program’s success lies in its simplicity and cultural relevance, empowering communities to take charge of their mental well-being.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the need for accessible mental health services. The Friendship Bench has adapted to these challenges by incorporating digital platforms, allowing grandmothers to connect with clients via phone and online chats. This hybrid model ensures continued support while adhering to safety protocols.

Despite the obstacles, there is optimism about the future of mental health care in Zimbabwe and beyond. The Friendship Bench has demonstrated that community-based interventions can effectively address mental health needs, even in resource-limited settings. By empowering grandmothers to become mental health advocates, the program fosters a sense of hope and resilience within communities.

As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with economic and social challenges, the Friendship Bench offers a beacon of hope. It underscores the power of empathy and community in overcoming adversity. With continued support and innovation, this initiative has the potential to transform mental health care not just in Zimbabwe but globally.

The success of the Friendship Bench illustrates that solutions to complex problems can often be found within the community. By leveraging local resources and fostering human connections, this program provides a model for other countries facing similar challenges.

Source: apnews.com