Grandmothers Lead Mental Health Revival

When Tambudzai Tembo’s son was arrested, she spiraled into depression and contemplated suicide. In Zimbabwe, where mental health services are scarce, she found hope through the Friendship Bench initiative. This program, led by grandmothers trained in basic mental health support, offers compassionate listening and problem-solving at community clinics and public spaces, reviving traditional practices to address modern mental health needs.

Founded by psychiatry professor Dixon Chibanda, the Friendship Bench has gained international recognition and is now being adopted by many countries, including here in the United States. Grandmothers sit on benches in discreet locations, ready to listen and provide support. This grassroots approach, which has trained over 2,000 grandmothers in Zimbabwe, helps reduce the stigma around mental health and demonstrates the power of community care.

With its success in Zimbabwe, the Friendship Bench model is spreading globally, proving that cultural wisdom and community support can effectively address mental health crises. This innovative approach not only provides immediate help but also fosters a more open conversation about mental health, making it a vital model for global mental health care.