Harare, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe’s globally recognized community therapy initiative known as the Friendship Bench is expanding into rural districts in a renewed effort to tackle depression and anxiety in underserved communities.
The program trains elderly community members—often grandmothers—to provide basic psychological support through guided conversations on wooden benches placed outside clinics.
Mental health researchers say the approach has proven effective in a country where the number of trained psychiatrists remains extremely limited.
According to health officials, the expansion will target farming communities facing economic hardship and climate-related stress.
Local volunteer counselor Chipo Mudzimu explained the importance of the initiative.
“Many people cannot afford therapy, but they can sit and talk. Sometimes being heard is the beginning of healing,” she said.
Health authorities hope the program will reduce untreated depression and suicide rates, particularly among rural youth.
About The Author
