Grandmothers in Zimbabwe are stepping up as mental health therapists in a unique initiative that has now spread to the United States. Inspired by traditional practices where grandmothers were sought out for wisdom, the Friendship Bench project involves setting up benches in community clinics, churches, and neighborhoods. Trained grandmothers offer one-on-one problem-solving therapy to those in need.
The founder of the initiative, Dixon Chibanda, was recently awarded a prize for revolutionizing mental healthcare. The concept has been adopted in various countries and is now making its way to New York, where it is being incorporated into the city’s mental health plan. In Washington, the organization HelpAge USA is piloting the concept under the DC Grandparents for Mental Health initiative.
The project aims to address risk factors such as social isolation in low-income communities. The older population provides a valuable resource for mental health support, with their wisdom and empathy making a significant impact on those seeking help. The Friendship Bench initiative was born out of a tragic event in Chibanda’s career as a psychiatrist, leading to the recruitment and training of grandmothers to provide therapy.
The success of the project in Zimbabwe has sparked interest globally, with the United States recognizing the value of utilizing older individuals in mental health interventions. The Friendship Bench not only provides therapy but also helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, making it easier for people to seek help.
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