search
Donate

Photo Gallery: Athens’ Friendship Bench program trains volunteers to lend an ear when it comes to mental health

By:
Posted on:

< < Back to

ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — A new group of volunteers in Athens are ready to offer a sympathetic ear to their neighbors in need after a recent Friendship Bench program training.

Originating in Zimbabwe, Africa, the program addresses mental health service shortages by creating public spaces with volunteer listeners.

The Athens City-County Health Department organized the recent training, which ran from June 21-23, at the Ohio University Innovation Center.

Participants actively engaged in learning mental health support basics and practiced active listening. Through interactive exercises and role-playing, they developed effective communication and problem-solving skills.

The goal of the Friendship Bench program is to empower volunteers to become compassionate friends, offering understanding and guidance.

A Friendship Bench team member displaying a pin on their shirt, featuring the words "Friendship Bench, Let's Talk" On June 22, 2023, in Athens, Ohio. [Ahmed Hamed | WOUB]
Olivia Degitz, Friendship Bench Program Manager, conducting training for a group of community members from Athens, Ohio to join the program. On June 22, 2023, in Athens, Ohio. [Ahmed Hamed | WOUB]
A flyer for the Friendship Bench program showcasing the message, "Life can be tough. Want some help sorting it out?" On June 22, 2023, in Athens, Ohio. [Ahmed Hamed | WOUB]
Suzy Aftabizadeh, a participant in the Friendship Bench training, collaborates with her colleague, Thomas Faber, as they practice Friendship Bench techniques during the training session. On June 22, 2023, in Athens, Ohio. [Ahmed Hamed | WOUB]
A group of participants engaging in a practice session amidst the serene surroundings of the Ohio University Innovation Center garden during the Friendship Bench training. On June 22, 2023, in Athens, Ohio. [Ahmed Hamed | WOUB]
aranda Stricklin (left) participates in a practice session of the Friendship Bench method alongside her training partner, Katie Mosher. They engage in a discussion about the training manual.On June 22, 2023, in Athens, Ohio. [Ahmed Hamed | WOUB]