WhatsApp 'I need to talk...' to +263 784 845 294
FREE - ANONYMOUS - CONFIDENTIAL // EVIDENCE BASED CARE & SUPPORT
We know that getting mental health support can be challenging and even scary. However, please know that you are making a positive step towards a healthy change in your life. During our process together, we will identify your strengths and use those strengths to help propel you into making the necessary changes you would like to make in your life.
SUPPORT DETAILS
9am-4pm // Monday to Friday
9am-12pm // Saturday
All sessions are free
Anonymous
Confidential
Offered in English, Shona and Ndebele
This service is not a substitute for professional help.
Online, one-to-one treatment, delivered by Friendship Bench trained mental health supporters. Sessions are held on WhatsApp call or chat (country rates apply).
Sessions include screening for depression and anxiety, problem-solving talk therapy and behavioural activation based support. Sessions last 30-60 minutes (the first session is usually the longest) we recommended that people do a minimum of 3 sessions to be able to experience the full benefits of the problem-solving therapy intervention.
Designed for people struggling with mild-moderate depression, anxiety, as well as substance misuse, suicide ideation, emotional distress, relationship difficulties or people who have poor quality of life due to the emotional distress brought on by chronic medical illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, or HIV/AIDS.
+263 784 845 294
KNOW SOMEONE WHO YOU THINK NEEDS HELP?
WHAT TO DO
If someone lets you know or you think someone is struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings, it's common to feel like you don't know what to do or say – the good news is you don't need to be a professional to show someone you care about them. Just being there for someone is extremely valuable.
OFFER THEM EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
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Listen, let them talk freely
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Offer empathy and reassurance
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Stay calm (if you need to freak out do it later)
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Be patient
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Do not judge
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Do not make assumptions
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Do not minimize (e.g. "at least you have food on the table")
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Stay in contact with them
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Do not make promises
YOU CAN'T FORCE SOMEONE TO TALK TO YOU OR TO GET HELP, BUT YOU CAN LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE THERE FOR THEM WHEN THEY ARE READY
Inuka and Friendship Bench have partnered together to create a digital platform through a co-branded WhatsApp API that Inuka licenses for free. The platform is used by trained Friendship Bench community health carers so together we can reach and empower young and urban populations by providing evidence-based, affordable and accessible mental health support. As Inuka puts it, we're working in the space 'WHERE EMPATHY MEETS SCIENCE".