AdvertisementAfter exploring several ideas for recruiting and training mental health practitioners, Chibanda found that there was, in fact, already a large cohort of experienced, empathetic, respected caregivers who were ready and willing: grandmothers. ”Ruth Verhey, a researcher associated with the program, has studied the effect of the Friendship Bench on the grandmothers and found that their participation correlates with a lower incidence of a range of common mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. It’s an effective way to put into practice what humanity has known since time immemorial: that quality connection is the most important determinant of good mental health