Imagine this....
Picture yourself at Victoria Falls, among people who carry the spirit of shared humanity, dreaming boldly of our shared responsibility to care for one another.
• These are people wanting or already taking real steps to change how we show up for one another.
• Sitting together, sharing stories, and building something rooted in empathy that can grow far beyond the moment.
About the Non-Conference
The Friendship Bench Non-Conference builds on our 20 years of bringing communities together to foster empathy, strengthen connections, and improve mental health globally.
We invite you to join us for a three-day immersive convening where you will leave with the tools, network and knowledge on how you can make Friendship Bench a reality in your community.
3 Days of Friendship Bench Immersion
Day 1
Opening the mind with empathy
Day 2
Strengthening with connectedness
Day 3
Uplifting with research
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Together we will:
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Unpack FB in a Box
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New to the Bench? We'll give you the tools, the knowledge, and the confidence to take this model home
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Been with us for a while? We’ll help you refine your craft through to lead the next wave of implementers.
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Explore how our physical, mental, and intellectual selves can be drawn on to nurture collective healing.
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Create safe spaces to engage in shared learning and meaningful open-minded exchanges
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Experience a range of curated excursions in the rich and vibrant sites of the Victoria Falls.
Session types include:
Breakouts, interactive workshops, lived experience sharing, one-on-one engagements, wellness and nature-based activities, community-building sessions, global perspectives and self-reflection quiet time.
Our goal:
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Strengthen a shared sense of purpose around community-driven mental health care
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Deepen genuine human connection across diverse experiences and backgrounds
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Inspire practical ideas and approaches that you can be implement immediately
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Build lasting relationships and networks that extend beyond the gathering
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Create space for reflection, restoration and personal wellbeing
Spaces are limited, register between 6 July-15 August 2026
Packages, Registration and Costing
Tier 1
(Conference Only)
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INCLUDED
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3 days Non-Conference Participation
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Friendship Bench site visits incl. transport
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FB in a Box pack and tote bag
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Signed copy of Founder Dixon Chibanda's book: How 14 Grandmothers Inspired A Mental Health Revolution
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Tier 2
(Full Immersive Experience)
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INCLUDED
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4 nights standard single room accommodation, bed and breakfast at A' Zambezi River Lodge (booked through Friendship Bench)
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Return airport transfers
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3 days Non-Conference Participation
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Friendship Bench site visits incl. transport
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FB in a Box pack and tote bag
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Rainforest walk
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River cruise
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Boma dinner
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Signed copy of Founder Dixon Chibanda's book: How 14 Grandmothers Inspired A Mental Health Revolution
NOT INCLUDED
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Flights
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Visa fees
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Medical insurance
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Any costs incurred beyond bed and breakfast at A'Zambezi Lodge
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Any meals outside the event, tours and sight-seeing
Know What experience you want?
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Please note that it is the delegate's responsibility to investigate visa requirements for Zimbabwe and apply for a visa, if necessary. Delegates are advised to apply for their visa as soon as possible. For details, visit Zimbabwe Immigration page
CANCELLATION POLICY
A Delegate who wishes to cancel their registration must do so in writing to vicfallsconvening@friendshipbench.org. The date of cancellation shall be the date on which written notice is received by Friendship Bench (FB). Refunds of the registration fee actually paid shall be made strictly in accordance with the following scale, calculated with reference to the first day of the Convening:
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Cancellation received 60 days or more before the Convening: 100% refund
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Cancellation received between 59 days -30 days before the Convening: 50% refund
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Cancellation received less than 30 days before the Convening: no refund shall be payable.
POSTPONEMENT AND MODIFICATION
Friendship Bench (FB) shall use reasonable endeavours to deliver the Programme as advertised, but reserves the right to alter the venue, speakers, itinerary, excursions or Third-Party Suppliers where reasonably necessary, provided that the overall quality and character of the Programme is not materially diminished.
LIABILITY
Friendship Bench (FB) strives to provide a high-quality event experience but acknowledges that some changes may be beyond its control. FB is not responsible for any costs or charges incurred by delegates in relation to their participation.
No refund shall be payable in respect of any Delegate who fails to attend the Convening without prior written cancellation, or who is unable to attend due to failure to obtain a visa, travel documentation, or medical clearance, save where such failure arises from an act or omission of the Organisation.
PRIVACY
Friendship Bench (FB) is committed to protecting your privacy. Personal information will be handled in accordance with FB's Privacy Policy. Information you provide, including photography and recordings at FBVF2026, will be used only for organising and delivering the event by FB and its partners, and will not be shared with unaffiliated third
INDEMNITY
Each Delegate indemnifies and holds harmless the Organisation, its trustees, directors, employees, volunteers and agents against any claim, loss, damage, cost or expense (including reasonable legal costs) arising from or connected with the Delegate's breach of this Policy, their own negligence, or their failure to comply with any instruction, law or requirement referred to in clause 8, save to the extent caused by the gross negligence, wilful misconduct or fraud of the Organisation.
SEE FULL POLICY IN RELATION TO THE VICTORIA FALLS GLOBAL CONVENING 2026
Frequently asked questions
