In Zimbabwe, a heartbreaking incident highlighted the desperate need for accessible mental healthcare. A young patient struggling with depression ended his life because he could not afford the bus fare to the hospital for treatment. This tragedy serves as a painful reminder that even the smallest barriers can have devastating consequences for those in need of assistance.
Dr Dixon Chibanda, a psychiatrist based in Zimbabwe, recognised these challenges and sought a solution. After hearing about the heartbreaking loss of a young patient, Dr Chibanda initiated changes to make mental healthcare more accessible to everyone. He understood that traditional methods often failed the most vulnerable, so the ‘Friendship Bench’ initiative was born in 2006 in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The ‘Friendship Bench’ offers a unique approach to mental healthcare. Benches are placed in community areas where trained therapists can offer support to those in need. These benches are often discreetly located in places where people gather, such as parks and community centres. This setup encourages individuals to seek help in a familiar environment free from the stigma often associated with visiting mental health facilities.
Dr Chibanda decided to train grandmothers as therapists for several compelling reasons: Grandmothers hold respected positions in many African communities and often serve as caregivers and advisers to children. Their life experiences and deep-rooted connections make them approachable and relatable to those who may be struggling.
“Grandmothers have an amazing ability to make people feel respected and understood,” Dr Chibanda explains. This sense of comfort can make a significant difference for individuals dealing with mental health challenges. Training community grandmothers (Gogos) in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helped to offer free talk therapy.
One example of the programme’s impact is a young woman named Tendai, who was overwhelmed by anxiety. Rather than heading to the hospital, she approached the ‘Friendship Bench’ in her local park. Sitting with Aunty Grace, one of the trained therapists, she felt safe to share her feelings. By the end of the conversation, Tendai left the bench feeling lighter and more hopeful. “Talking to Aunty Grace made me realise I wasn’t alone; I could find help without the pressure of going to a hospital,” she said.
Since its inception, the ‘Friendship Bench’ has been remarkably successful. This has helped reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and many community members have started seeking support.
Dr Chibanda has trained more than 1,000 grandmothers, who now serve as therapists and reach thousands of people each year. This initiative has inspired similar programmes in other countries, thereby expanding the reach of mental health support worldwide.
Today, the ‘Friendship Bench ‘is not confined to Zimbabwe. Communities in other African nations and regions have adopted this model. The programme has now been adapted in countries such as Malawi and Zambia, as well as in parts of Europe and Asia. The success of these local partnerships brings hope and demonstrates how community-driven solutions can address widespread issues.
In total, the ‘Friendship Bench’ is estimated to have positively impacted more than 500,000 lives worldwide. The programme provides a sense of community and belonging, demonstrating the power of listening and understanding in mental healthcare. By turning grandmothers into therapists, the ‘Friendship Bench’ has created a network of friendships that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.
Dr Chibanda’s vision extends beyond providing therapy. He hopes to create a world in which mental healthcare is easily accessible and stigma-free. He believes that healing is possible when communities come together to support one another.
The ‘Friendship Bench’ exemplifies this belief, demonstrating that simple, community-based solutions can lead to significant change.
Dr Aloma Jayasundera