Zimbabwe‘s Friendship Bench mental health Model Finds a Home in Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C.’s Petworth neighborhood, a mental health initiative inspired by Zimbabwe is taking root. At the Bernice Elizabeth Fonteneau Wellness Center,angela Jasper is providing free talk therapy sessions,mirroring a prosperous program that originated in Harare. The Friendship Bench model, conceived by Zimbabwean psychiatrist Dr. Dixon chibanda, aims to provide a “safe, nonjudgmental space” for individuals seeking support. Recent funding cuts threatened to derail the project, underscoring the precarious nature of international aid and the critical need for accessible mental health resources.
The Friendship Bench,a concept that began in Zimbabwe,has crossed continents to offer comfort in the nation’s capital. At the Bernice Elizabeth Fonteneau Wellness Center in petworth, Washington, D.C., Angela Jasper facilitates free talk therapy sessions, creating a welcoming environment for those seeking to unburden themselves. This initiative draws inspiration from a similar project in Harare, Zimbabwe, where shelter Nhengo provides a listening ear from a public clinic, emphasizing that “sometimes all one needs is someone to talk to.”
From Harare to Washington: A global Approach to Mental Wellness
The Friendship Bench’s core lies in its simplicity and accessibility. In Zimbabwe,where mental health care is ofen expensive and stigmatized,a network of therapy-trained grandmothers has provided comfort to an estimated 500,000 people. Dr. Dixon Chibanda, a Zimbabwean psychiatrist, developed this model, recognizing that formal mental health services are often out of reach for many. Instead, he tapped into the existing social fabric, training older women in cognitive behavioral therapy to serve as community counselors.
These “grandmothers,” as they are affectionately known, offer a non-judgmental space for individuals to share their burdens. The approach is a stark contrast to conventional therapy settings, offering a more approachable and culturally sensitive form of mental health support. As one Friendship Bench user in Harare noted, “It’s a hard life, but I always feel better after talking to Ambuya,” using the Shona word for grandmother.
The Impact of Funding Cuts
The success of the Friendship Bench has led to its expansion beyond Zimbabwe, with Dr.Chibanda taking his model global. Though, the program faced a setback when the U.S. Agency for International Progress (USAID) temporarily froze funding in late January. This decision, part of the Trump administration’s foreign aid freeze, threatened to disrupt the program’s operations, including the training of 45 virtual Friendship bench counselors. The funding also supported the training of volunteers like Ms. Jasper in Washington,D.C.
Dr. Chibanda expressed his concern over the funding cuts, stating, “It affects us badly. And that funding was not only helping people abroad, but also Americans.” While a federal court temporarily lifted the USAID freeze on Feb. 13, the future of the funding remains uncertain.
The Genesis of the Friendship Bench
The Friendship Bench was born out of a personal tragedy. In 2005, one of Dr. Chibanda’s patients, a woman named Erica, died by suicide after missing a session due to a lack of bus fare. This devastating event spurred Dr. Chibanda to find a more accessible and affordable way to provide mental health support. “for a long time, I felt personally responsible for Erica’s death,” he said. “I wanted to do something to prevent something similar from occurring [again].”
At the time, Zimbabwe faced a severe shortage of mental health professionals, with only seven psychiatrists serving the entire country. Mental health issues were also heavily stigmatized. Dr. Chibanda recognized the need to address the widespread trauma resulting from colonialism, government repression, the AIDS pandemic, and poverty.This collective trauma led to a condition known as *kufungisisa* in the local Shona language, which translates to “thinking too much” or, in Western terms, depression.
Dr. Chibanda observed that people frequently enough turned to older women in their communities for support. These “aunties and grannies” possessed a wealth of wisdom and the time to listen. He formalized this informal support system by training older women in problem-solving-oriented therapy. Due to limited space within the clinic, the counseling sessions took place outside, on benches, creating a welcoming and accessible environment.
Friendship Bench in Washington,D.C.
Inspired by the success of the Friendship Bench in Zimbabwe, a group of “grandparents” in Washington, D.C., sought to replicate the model in their own community. In 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental health challenges, they partnered with HelpAge USA, a non-governmental institution advocating for older people’s rights. Cindy Cox-Roman, the organization’s CEO, recognized the potential of the Friendship bench and contacted Dr. Chibanda.
In September 2023, the Washington-based “grandparents” participated in a 10-week training program with the Zimbabwean team via zoom. Scarlett Small, one of the volunteers, initially questioned weather the Zimbabwean model would “fit” in Washington, given the cultural differences. Though,she quickly realized that many of the issues discussed were worldwide,including financial struggles,family problems,and relationship challenges.
ms. Small noted that “I think most people that come are sort of all tangled up in their thoughts.” She added that the Friendship Bench “is an opportunity for them to speak out loud, instead of it going over and over in their mind.”
A Universal approach to Healing
The Friendship Bench has expanded to several countries, including Vietnam, El Salvador, Malawi, Kenya, and Jordan. Dr. Chibanda emphasizes the importance of focusing on providing a safe space for individuals to share their stories, rather then emphasizing diagnoses. “We find that everywhere, the less emphasis there is on diagnosing people, the better,” he said.
Currently,there are 12 older people offering therapy at seven sites in historically Black areas of Washington,D.C. HelpAge hopes to expand the program to ensure that a Friendship Bench is within walking distance of every person in these neighborhoods.
Ms. Jasper reflects fondly on her training with the Zimbabwean team,calling it the “part of the program I cherish most.” She emphasizes the valuable lessons learned from their expertise and empathy, stating, “There’s so much we learned from them.”
Conclusion
The Friendship Bench stands as a testament to the power of community-based mental health support. Originating in Zimbabwe as a response to limited resources and widespread stigma,the model has proven its adaptability and effectiveness across diverse cultural contexts. As it takes root in Washington, D.C., the Friendship Bench offers a beacon of hope for those seeking solace and understanding, highlighting the universal need for accessible and compassionate mental health care.
Friendship Bench: A Global Revolution in Accessible Mental Healthcare
Over 500,000 people in Zimbabwe alone have found solace and support through a revolutionary mental health initiative – and its impact is now spreading globally. Is this truly the future of mental health care access?
Interviewer: Dr. Anya Sharma, welcome to World Today News.Your expertise in global mental health initiatives is invaluable. The Friendship bench model, originating in Zimbabwe, is gaining significant traction worldwide. Can you shed light on its core principles and what makes it so effective?
dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. The friendship Bench’s effectiveness stems from its ingenious simplicity and cultural sensitivity. At its heart, it addresses the critical barrier of access to mental healthcare, particularly in resource-constrained settings. The model focuses on training community members, often grandmothers or respected older women, in basic cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. This empowers local individuals to provide crucial support within their own communities, directly countering the stigma often associated with mental illness. These community-based counselors foster trust,offering a non-judgmental space for individuals to openly share their struggles,emphasizing empathetic listening above all else. This approach is fundamentally different from traditional, often expensive and inaccessible, clinical settings. It leverages the existing social fabric, creating a safe surroundings for healing and fostering resilience.
Interviewer: The article highlights the program’s expansion to Washington, D.C. How successfully is this model adapting across diverse cultural contexts? What challenges, if any, have emerged?
Dr. Sharma: Adapting the Friendship Bench to different cultures requires careful consideration and a nuanced approach.While the basic principles of fostering trust and providing a safe space remain constant, the specific cultural nuances must be addressed. For example, the traditional figure of the “grandmother” might need to be adapted in different contexts, were other respected community figures could take on that role. This might involve tailoring the training curriculum to include culturally appropriate methods of interaction, addressing specific cultural norms and sensitivities, and utilizing readily available community resources. Challenges can include language barriers, differing social structures, and the task of overcoming potentially deeply rooted cultural stigmas. Still, the core concept of utilizing easily accessible, culturally appropriate mental healthcare support remains incredibly powerful. Early indications from Washington D.C., and other parts of the globe, demonstrate great potential for successful cultural adaptation.
Interviewer: Funding cuts, as mentioned in the article, represent a significant hurdle for many global health initiatives. How can we ensure the long-term sustainability of the friendship Bench model and similar community-based programs?
Dr. Sharma: Securing sustainable funding for community-based mental health initiatives like the Friendship Bench is crucial for their long-term viability. This requires a multi-pronged approach; A diversification of funding sources—exploring government grants, private philanthropic contributions, and sustainable community-based income generation strategies—is essential. Building strong partnerships with local governments and organizations is crucial to securing ongoing support and integration within existing healthcare systems. Clarity and accountability in managing funds enhance credibility and attract sustained support. Furthermore, demonstrating measurable impacts through consistent data collection and evaluation strengthens the case for ongoing funding, showcasing the true value delivered by such programs. advocating for increased investment in global mental health from international organizations and individual donors is vital for establishing a broad base of support.
Interviewer: What are the key takeaways from the Friendship Bench’s success that can be applied to other global health challenges, and what recommendations woudl you offer to policymakers and organizations involved in global public health?
Dr. Sharma: The Friendship bench’s success offers several valuable lessons applicable to other areas of global health:
Prioritize community engagement: Empowering local communities is key to effectiveness.
Embrace simplicity and scalability: Focus on practical, cost-effective solutions, easily replicated.
Address stigma and cultural barriers: Tailor interventions to specific cultural contexts.
Invest in training and capacity building: Provide ongoing education and support for community health workers.
Monitor and evaluate impact: Track progress and adapt strategies to maximize effectiveness.
Policymakers and organizations involved in global health initiatives should:
Increase funding for community-based programs.
Improve access to mental health services in underserved areas.
Encourage policy changes that reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders.
* Expand research on community-based models of care.
interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for providing this invaluable insight into the Friendship Bench and community-based mental health initiatives. This groundbreaking model offers a beacon of hope— showcasing how accessible, culturally relevant mental healthcare can truly transform lives globally.
Concluding Thought: the Friendship Bench’s approach is a testament to the power of community-based solutions. let’s discuss what we can do in our own communities to promote mental health and well-being. Share your thoughts in the comments below!