Grandmothers Making a Difference: The Friendship Bench’s Community-Driven Mental Health Solution
Mental health is often overlooked in many communities, especially in low-income countries. However, the Friendship Bench initiative in Zimbabwe is changing this by using community-driven, sustainable methods to tackle depression and mental health challenges.
As a nurse, I'm always excited to explore innovative approaches to health and wellness, and I recently came across a truly inspiring initiative. The Friendship Bench, founded by Dixon Chibanda is making a massive impact by recruiting grandmothers to provide mental health support. Yes, grandmothers! These everyday community members are stepping up to deliver evidence-based psychological interventions, changing the way we think about therapy and support.
The Power of Grandmothers in Mental Health
In Zimbabwe, where there is a shortage of mental health professionals (there are only 12 psychiatrists for a population of 13 million people), the Friendship Bench is filling a critical gap. By training grandmothers (and other community health workers) in cognitive behavioral therapy and problem-solving techniques, they are able to provide essential mental health care to those suffering from depression, anxiety, and other common mental health disorders.
Why This Works
The Friendship Bench’s model is simple but powerful. Community health workers sit with individuals on benches (symbolizing a safe space for dialogue) and engage in problem-solving therapy. This approach is highly effective for those with mild to moderate depression. The goal is not just to talk through problems, but to empower individuals to find practical solutions to their challenges.
The Statistics That Matter
Did you know that 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression? And nearly 800,000 people die by suicide each year? The burden of mental health is especially heavy in low and middle-income countries, where 79% of suicides occur, yet 85% of people in under-resourced settings do not have access to the mental health care they need. This is where the Friendship Bench model becomes a game-changer—scalable, community-driven, and accessible.
A Vision for the Future
The Friendship Bench is not just staying local; they’re aiming to make a global impact. With active initiatives in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zanzibar, Kenya, and New York City, their goal is to reach 5 million people in the next 5 years by training 15,000 grandmothers or community health workers. It’s an ambitious plan, but the results are already speaking for themselves. Over 70,000 people have already benefited from these community-led interventions.
Let's Expand This in the U.S.
As a healthcare professional, I can’t help but think: Why can’t we bring this model to communities across the U.S.—how about San Diego, California? There are plenty of elderly adults with wisdom and life experience who could serve as mental health counselors, especially when equipped with the right training. It’s time we reimagine the role of grandmothers and grandfathers in our communities. Their ability to listen, empathize, and offer guidance is a resource we often overlook.
This initiative also aligns with my passion for strengthening community bonds—similar to my thoughts on bringing back family dinner time. There’s something magical about gathering in community and simply being heard. It’s a healing experience, and something as simple as sitting down with a grandmother on a bench can truly change lives.
Moving Forward: What You Can Do
As we continue to face the mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, I encourage all of us to think about how we can adopt the Friendship Bench model in our own communities. Let’s start by empowering grandmothers and grandfathers—and let’s ensure that mental health is part of every conversation.
Join me in supporting the Friendship Bench and help spread the word! Whether you’re in the U.S., Zimbabwe, or anywhere else, the need for accessible mental health care is universal. Together, we can break the stigma around mental health and make a real difference.
Sign up for my newsletter today and receive a free guide on “100 Uses for Essential Oils”! Let’s get started on your wellness journey today! 🌱
