The Friendship Bench

The challenge

In the Global South, communities face a severe mental health crisis, exacerbated by limited access to professional mental health services and deep-rooted stigma. Many regions lack sufficient mental health infrastructure, leaving countless individuals without the support they need to manage mental health issues effectively. This gap in care leads to untreated conditions and significant personal and societal impacts.

Turning challenge into opportunity

Friendship Bench is revolutionizing mental health care in the Global South through its innovative use of community benches. These benches serve as safe, approachable spaces where trained community health workers, often referred to as “grandmothers,” provide evidence-based talk therapy. The benches are strategically placed in accessible community locations, such as clinics and marketplaces, making mental health support readily available to those who need it.

The simplicity and familiarity of the bench setting help to break down barriers associated with traditional mental health services. By offering therapy in a non-clinical environment, Friendship Bench reduces the stigma associated with seeking mental health care and encourages open dialogue. This model not only provides immediate support but also fosters a community culture that values mental well-being.