Friendship Bench – For the first time in Germany

“For the first time in Germany – “Friendship Bench”, a community-based psychosocial counseling service in Friedensau

In a kick-off event on April 3, the psychiatrist and founder of Friendship Bench, Prof. Dr. Dixon Chibanda, presented the Friendship Bench model.¹ The model is known for its culturally sensitive, client-centered approach that focuses on practical, solution oriented counseling. In a lively presentation, Prof. Chibanda described the personal story that led to the idea of Friendship Bench and its vision: to have a Friendship Bench within walking distance for all. Numerous questions following the presentation reflected the great interest of the audience. A training group has already been formed for the training in German and English.

Mental health challenges, especially depression, is the third most common cause of sick leave in Germany.² Around 40 to 50 % of students in Germany suffer from overwork and stress, with almost one in 10 students showing signs of depression.  Friedensau Adventist University (FAU) also reflects the social and individual challenges of our time.³ In order to provide the most suitable prevention and intervention services possible, the Friendship Bench model will be available to all members of the university – students and staff – in German and English for the first time in the summer semester 2025.