Is The Friendship Bench based on a true story?

Yes. The book follows the real Friendship Bench programme, which began in Mbare, Harare, in 2006 and grew into an evidence based mental health movement.

Is The Friendship Bench a heavy read?

The opening deals directly with suicide and grief, so it can feel heavy. The book becomes increasingly hopeful as it follows the grandmothers, their communities and the movement they built.

Who should read The Friendship Bench?

It suits readers interested in mental health, community, loneliness, human connection and the wisdom of elders. It would also make a thoughtful book club choice.

When was The Friendship Bench published?

New World Library published The Friendship Bench by Dixon Chibanda on 22 April 2025. Its ISBN is 9781955831024.

Dixon Chibanda with members of the original Friendship Bench group in Zimbabwe

Back to Books

Books 6 min read

The Friendship Bench by Dixon Chibanda: A Book That Starts Heavy and Leaves You Hopeful

Name: The Friendship Bench: How Fourteen Grandmothers Inspired a Mental Health Revolution
Author: Dixon Chibanda
ISBN: 9781955831024

Published 26th September 2026Updated on 2026-09-26

Written byColleen Brownlee , Colleen Content and Website

Share

How did this story feel

Share

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

It tells the true story of how psychiatrist Dixon Chibanda worked with fourteen grandmothers in Zimbabwe to bring accessible mental health support into local communities.

The Friendship Bench by Dixon Chibanda: A Book That Starts Heavy and Leaves You Hopeful

Frequently asked questions

Read next

Never Too Late to Shine: M. John Harrison Wins the Booker Prize 2026

Joyful, Anyway by Kate Bowler: Why Joy Doesn't Have to Wait for Life to Get Easier

Christmas Gift Ideas for Book Lovers, Film Fans and Podcast Listeners 2026

Physical 100: Italy Review, One Hundred Bodies. One Winner.

The Best Podcasts to Listen to Right Now, Autumn 2026

Best of the Best: The Netflix Dance Film That Understands Sisterhood

One inspiring story to your inbox each week.

The Friendship Bench by Dixon Chibanda: A Book That Starts Heavy and Leaves You Hopeful

Frequently asked questions

Read next

Never Too Late to Shine: M. John Harrison Wins the Booker Prize 2026

Joyful, Anyway by Kate Bowler: Why Joy Doesn't Have to Wait for Life to Get Easier

Christmas Gift Ideas for Book Lovers, Film Fans and Podcast Listeners 2026

Most read

Physical 100: Italy Review, One Hundred Bodies. One Winner.

The Best Podcasts to Listen to Right Now, Autumn 2026

Best of the Best: The Netflix Dance Film That Understands Sisterhood

One inspiring story to your inbox each week.