Friendship Bench

This month, we echo Grandfather Diamond’s call: "Let’s not allow ourselves to suffer in silence."

Talking about how we feel makes us human, it's not a weakness.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HF35...

#MensMentalHealth #FriendshipBench #MentalHealthForALL

Thanks so much for spotlighting our work 🙏

We’re thrilled to see this kind of intervention delivered by trained grandmothers in Zimbabwe is getting the recognition it deserves. @friendshipbench.bsky.social @strongminds.bsky.social

Through our African Mental Health Research Initiative, UK & African researchers exchange knowledge in both directions. Solutions from the Global South, like @friendshipbench.bsky.social, should guide mental health care worldwide. #WorldMentalHealthDay

🔗 www.kcl.ac.uk/zimbabwe-to-...

"Improving community-based care is a priority in the NHS 10 Year Plan. There is much to learn from global interventions like The Friendship Bench to help the NHS be ‘Fit for the Future’." Professor Melanie Abas, King’s College London

"The Friendship Bench shows us how to deliver mental health care in local communities, within walking distance and provided by people who know their neighbourhoods. It also shows how services can reduce inequalities by being open to everyone, and the value of rapid, often same-day, access to care." Professor Melanie Abas, King’s College London

As part of the NHS 10 Year Plan, the UK aims to improve community-based health care.

There’s so much to learn from global interventions like @friendshipbench.bsky.social, where accessible, community-led support has transformed mental health outcomes.

🔗 www.kcl.ac.uk/news/spotlig...

Ripple Report, October 25': Spotlight Edition Pull Up a Seat for WMHD “Innovation in mental health isn’t always about shiny tech or groundbreaking drugs. Sometimes it’s just about being human again.

I’m spotlighting one of the simplest yet most profound mental health innovations I’ve ever encountered @friendshipbench.bsky.social
✔️It didn’t begin in a lab.
✔️It didn’t need an app.
✔️It started with a bench and a grandmother willing to listen.

www.linkedin.com/pulse/ripple...

📌 The Friendship Bench book launch and networking event happening on Thursday 7 August (5 - 7:30PM) at the Friendship Bench Hub - Community Center in Harare! RSVP or order a copy of the book here: www.friendshipbench.org/booklaunch

See you there!

Physical Book Launch + Networking Event - You Are Invited!

🗓 7 August 2025 (5 PM – 7:30 PM)
📍 9 Avon Rise, Mount Pleasant

📖 Limited signed copies available.
✅ RSVP or pre-order a signed copy of the book by 04 August 2025: www.friendshipbench.org/booklaunch

#FriendshipBench

'Storytelling really helps to bond people. You find commonalities, acceptance, validation,'- Carla Neumann, President and Founder of Dream Sponsors Inc.

It's through these shared narratives that we create a sense of belonging that contributes to shared healing. www.friendshipbench.org/podcast

Want to help create safe spaces for mental wellbeing in your community? Gain insights from our founder, Dr.
@DixonChibanda, whose work is transforming mental health support in communities globally.

Be part of the third cohort!

📌 Register here: friendshipbench.org/opening-the-mind

We are grateful to The One You Feed for shining a light on the #FriendshipBench journey. This episode featuring our founder
Dixon Chibanda, "From Benches to Breakthroughs", captures how Friendship Bench has grown into a global mental health movement.

www.oneyoufeed.net/from-benches...

Thank you Franco!

🚨 New case study alert!

@friendshipbench.bsky.social in Zimbabwe is bridging the mental health gap with community health workers providing counselling on benches near clinics. Since 2022, it has reached 775,000+ clients and is expanding globally!

Learn more: www.gacd.org/our-impact/c...

This week's Read the Spirit cover story by veteran journalist @davidcrumm.bsky.social, Good news for Mental Health Awareness Month: Please meet Dr. Dixon Chibanda and his ‘Friendship Bench’ @friendshipbench.bsky.social buff.ly/96BWUzY #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness

“Let’s not allow ourselves to suffer in silence”- Grandfather Diamond.

Men, you don’t have to carry it all alone. It’s okay to ask for help. You are not alone.

#FriendshipBench #MentalHealthForAll

Do you want the Friendship Bench Intervention in your community? If you want to set up the Friendship Bench Programme in your community, the place to start is right here on this page!

Yes this is the official Friendship Bench account. To join the movement fill out this form: www.friendshipbench.org/partnerships