In Zimbabwe, where mental health services are scarce, an innovative form of therapy focusing on the support and wisdom of grandmothers is gaining traction and making a positive impact. This approach, known as the Friendship Bench, involves setting up benches in quiet spaces within communities where trained older women provide one-on-one conversations and problem-solving therapy to those in need.
The initiative was founded by Dixon Chibanda, a psychiatry professor, with the aim of utilizing the wisdom and empathy of older women to address the growing mental health needs in communities. The concept has gained recognition globally, with adoption in countries like the United States, Vietnam, Botswana, Malawi, Kenya, and Tanzania.
In New York, the Friendship Bench is being incorporated into the city’s mental health plan to address issues such as social isolation, with benches set up in areas like Harlem, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Similarly, in Washington, the organization HelpAge USA is piloting the concept through the DC Grandparents for Mental Health initiative, training grandmothers to provide support and empowerment to those struggling with mental health issues.
The role of grandmothers in offering mental health support is seen as crucial, especially in communities where access to traditional mental health services is limited. The concept aims to bridge the gap in mental health care by providing a listening ear, empathy, and practical guidance to individuals facing challenges.
Dr. Jehan El-Mayoumi, an expert working with HelpAge USA, emphasized the importance of trust and openness in mental health support, highlighting how the Friendship Bench model provides a safe space for individuals to share their deepest thoughts and feelings.
The initiative, which started as a response to a tragic incident involving a patient suicide due to lack of access to mental health care, has since grown into a network of over 2,000 trained grandmothers in Zimbabwe. These grandmothers play a vital role in their communities, providing much-needed support and guidance to those grappling with mental health issues.
Through the Friendship Bench initiative, the stigma around mental health is being challenged, and individuals are finding comfort and solace in the wisdom and compassion of older members of their communities. The impact of this unique approach is evident in the positive changes experienced by individuals like Tambudzai Tembo, who found renewed hope and purpose with the help of a compassionate grandmother.
