At Friendship Bench, we are re-imagining the delivery of mental healthcare.  We are doing this by creating safe spaces and a sense of belonging in communities, to enhance the quality of life and well-being. With over a decade of experience in providing community-based mental health care that is evidence-based, we are now focused on expanding our impact globally through innovation, partnerships, and digital integration. As we expand, we remain committed to maintaining the fidelity of our model while scaling to new regions. Our 2024-25 strategic theme, “Going Deep for Fidelity at Scale,” reflects our approach to ensuring that we ensure high standards of care, regardless of location.

 

Our strategic plan focuses on the following core pillars:

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1. Global Expansion and Local Adaptation using the FB In A Box – our DIY toolkit

We aim to scale the Friendship Bench model to new countries, ensuring local adaptations while maintaining our core values. The Friendship Bench In A Box toolkit provides partners with the resources to replicate our model with ease, supported by a pool of trained master trainers in multiple languages. The model ensures that every new implementation is grounded in the core principles that have made Friendship Bench successful in Zimbabwe. We are integrating digital tools that enhance the reach and effectiveness of mental health care, ensuring fidelity at scale. The Friendship Bench In A Box includes a digital platform that supports partners with resources and support for implementation.

 

2. Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Our work directly contributes to several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – By providing accessible mental health interventions that are community-based and evidence-based, we are contributing to healthier lives and promoting well-being of communities globally.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – We are bridging the mental health treatment gap by delivering services that reach marginalized and underserved populations regardless of socioeconomic status or location.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Our growth is driven by collaborations with both global and local partners, enabling the development of mental health solutions that are not only sustainable but also adaptable for scaling across diverse settings.​

 

3. To become a global leader in delivering evidence-based mental health interventions

Research is one of our core values. We continue to foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and development. We have over 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications. Through our Research and Development (R&D) efforts, we partner with institutions and organizations to deepen our understanding of the feasibility of implementing our model in different areas. By embedding Research and Development into our core strategy, we continue to lead the way in delivering evidence-based mental health interventions. Together, we create a world where a Friendship Bench is within walking distance for all.