For many of us, a grandparent is someone we trust, who reminds us of home, and who teaches us about our history and culture. They are a crucial part of our families and communities—and in today’s mental health landscape, they can be a powerful yet often untapped resource for bringing people together and building a stronger, more connected community.
Inspired by the Friendship Bench model in Zimbabwe, HelpAge USA’s new Friendship Bench DC program leverages the wisdom, empathy, and companionship of older generations by training older people, known as “Grandparents,” to provide empathetic listening and problem-solving therapy to community members of all ages.
Community members can make an appointment to visit a Grandparent on a bench located at one of our host partners—which include senior wellness centers, a church, a school, and a community center—at a mutually convenient time throughout the week. Since its launch earlier this year at Washington Seniors Wellness Center, the program has been expanding across Wards 7 and 8 in Washington, DC, with our Friendship Bench DC Grandparents offering a safe, non-judgmental space for members to share their struggles, find a listening ear, and get support.
To hear more about the powerful transformation that can happen, we asked a couple of our Friendship Bench DC Grandparents what their experience on the bench has been like so far. Here’s what they said:
“The Visitors on the Friendship Bench are seen and heard in a safe space for storytelling. One Visitor said, ‘Oh! I get to talk about anything, and someone is listening and hearing me. This feels good. I like this!’
In my community, ‘Talk Therapy’ is needed due to constraints around finances, and the availability of culturally sensitive listeners. For so many years, we were told if you seek mental health support, you are weak. This stigma has paralyzed people in our community from seeking the help they needed to get through minor and sometimes major obstacles in their ability to manage day-to-day events.
By telling their story, the Visitor will learn how to develop a plan of action to reduce their stress level or resolve an issue or concern. ‘Talk Therapy’ practices such as asking open-ended questions and reflecting lead a Visitor to more decision-making independence and meaningful change in the way they manage the next stressful event in their life or family.
The Friendship Bench is an innovative approach to providing a much-needed service to our community. A place where you can build a temporary trusted relationship with a ‘Grandparent’ with compassion. A ‘Grandparent’ who is non-judgmental, and whose goal is NOT to give you advice but support you to in developing the tool set to find your own solutions to personal challenges or concerns.
I feel the Friendship Bench is an opportunity for the Visitors and the Grandparents. We are helping our community become healthier by being there for each other. During my time as a Friendship Bench DC Grandparent, my Visitors have shared how much better they feel and how their challenges are working themselves out by focusing on one concern at a time. When the Visitor feels successful in making positive change in their day-to-day lives, I feel I have done my assignment!”
— Scarlett S., Friendship Bench DC Grandparent
“As a grandmother and community activist, Friendship Bench DC provides a great opportunity to ‘give encouragement, empowerment, and love’ to Visitors that request a listening ear. After thorough book training and live simulations, I understand the concept of allowing the Visitor to find the solutions to their problems with reasoning, weighing out the pros and cons to situations, and the feeling of accomplishment after realizing their goals. The impact is phenomenal! It’s extremely satisfying to know that Grandparents are making a tremendous positive difference in people’s lives, using talk therapy.
On a personal note, I have become a better listener and advocate to my family; and, I’ve used the SMART action plan to accomplish difficult tasks such as organizing agendas during water main breaks at home, grandma duties, church activities, and the Friendship Bench. In addition, I’m more conscious of details to continue my good eating habits and physical activities, including walking and prayer.”
— Teresa S., Friendship Bench DC Grandparent
Their stories reflect the profound impact older adults can have on the well-being of their communities—enhancing community-based mental health support and fostering meaningful connections. Through their skills, guidance, and compassion, our Friendship Bench DC Grandparents weave a tapestry of interconnectedness that enriches the fabric of society, ensuring that no one, regardless of age, is left to navigate the complexities of life alone.
