About Rafiki

Rafiki means "friend" in Swahili. We're building a supportive companion that's always there when you need someone to talk to.

Our Mission

At Shoulder2LeanOn, we believe that everyone deserves access to mental health support. Our mission is to provide compassionate, non-judgmental support that meets people where they are — on the platforms they already use.

Rafiki combines the accessibility of WhatsApp with AI-powered conversation to offer immediate support. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, or just need someone to talk to, Rafiki is here to listen and help you work through things.

We're committed to building technology that truly helps people, with safety guardrails that ensure appropriate support and connections to professional help when needed.

Friends at Great Rift Valley viewpoint, Kenya

Our Values

The principles that guide everything we do at Shoulder2LeanOn.

💜

Compassion First

Every interaction is rooted in empathy and understanding. We meet people with kindness, no matter what they're going through.

🛡️

Safety Always

Built-in safety guardrails ensure appropriate support. We detect crisis situations and connect users to professional help.

🔒

Privacy & Trust

Your conversations are confidential. We prioritize privacy and never compromise on protecting personal information.

🌍

Accessibility

Mental health support should be available to everyone. We use familiar platforms to reduce barriers to access.

🤝

Non-Judgmental

We create a safe space where people can share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.

🌱

Growth-Focused

Beyond crisis support, we help people develop coping strategies and build long-term emotional resilience.

How Rafiki Works

Getting support is simple — just start a conversation.

01

Start Chatting

Message Rafiki on WhatsApp or use our web chat. No sign-up required to get started.

02

Share Your Thoughts

Tell Rafiki what's on your mind. Whether it's stress, anxiety, or just daily life — we're here to listen.

03

Get Support

Receive compassionate responses, coping strategies, and resources tailored to your needs.

04

Build Resilience

Over time, develop emotional resilience and healthy coping mechanisms with ongoing support.

Ready to Talk?

Start a conversation with Rafiki today — we're here to help.