Zimbabwean Grandmothers Offer Mental Health Support on Friendship Benches
In Zimbabwe, where clinical mental health services are scarce, a unique approach to therapy involving grandmothers sitting on friendship benches is providing much-needed support to those in need. Inspired by traditional practices where grandmothers were considered the source of wisdom in rough times, this initiative has now been adopted in places like the United States.
The concept, pioneered by psychiatry professor Dixon Chibanda, involves setting up benches in community clinics, churches, and other public spaces where trained older women patiently listen and engage in one-on-one conversations to provide support. Chibanda’s work has gained recognition, with the initiative expanding to countries like Vietnam, Botswana, and Malawi.
In the United States, the Friendship Bench model is being used to address mental health risk factors such as social isolation. The concept has been implemented in areas of New York and Washington, with older adults being trained to provide empathy and support to those struggling with mental health issues.
The initiative has been well-received, with people finding comfort in talking to grandmothers who listen and offer wisdom. The approach has become increasingly important as mental health needs continue to grow, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overall, the Friendship Bench initiative showcases the power of community-based mental health support and the importance of older individuals in providing comfort and guidance to those in need. The success of this program highlights the potential for innovative solutions to address mental health challenges globally.
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