DHA Phase 5, Islamabad
Mandra, Rawalpindi
Global Institute of Human Development
Young people aren't just part of the conversation. They should lead it. Whether you're speaking from lived experience, passion, or a sense of purpose, your voice matters.
You see what works. What doesn't? What's missing? That insight changes everything: programs, policies, and lives.
We believe solutions for youth mental health must be built with young people. Always.
It's more than consultation. It's collaboration. Youth engagement means creating, shaping, and leading, not just responding.
We include young people from all backgrounds:
True engagement happens when youth influence the work, from vision to impact.
All young people bring value. Youth mental health experts are:
We actively seek out:
Meaningful youth engagement extends beyond consultation. At GIHD, young people contribute throughout the research and programme cycle, from identifying priorities and co-designing interventions to strengthening implementation and informing policy. We work alongside young people to ensure lived experience shapes decisions in ways that are ethical, inclusive, and sustainable.
Shaped with young people, not just for them.
Direct experience guides direction and priorities.
Backgrounds and perspectives that reflect real communities.
Protection built into every stage of involvement.
Youth at the table where choices are actually made.
Skills and confidence that outlast any one project.
Feedback and reflection built into every cycle.
Real programmes where young people are shaping mental health research and services in Pakistan today. Tap or hover a card to read more.
SMART Network is a youth-led platform established by GIHD to bring together young people with lived experience of mental health challenges alongside technical experts and partner organisations. The Network ensures young people's voices are meaningfully included in the design, implementation, and improvement of mental health programmes, policies, and research. It promotes peer support, collaboration, leadership, and shared learning while strengthening youth participation in decision-making through structured governance and safeguarding.
Explore opportunitiesAn international initiative working across multiple countries to improve access to evidence-based support for parents of children experiencing anxiety. In Pakistan, the programme focuses on culturally adapting the Online Support and Intervention (OSI) through collaborative workshops involving parents, children, clinicians, and school counsellors to ensure it reflects local needs and experiences before implementation.
Explore opportunitiesThis initiative promotes meaningful involvement of people with lived experience in mental health research and programme development. Through workshops and awareness sessions, participants explore how personal experiences can reduce stigma, strengthen research, improve services, and inspire positive change. The programme also introduces global examples of lived experience leadership and opportunities for meaningful involvement.
Explore opportunitiesShowcasing how implementation research and evidence generated through youth partnerships contribute to improving mental health systems and services. Learn how research is translated into real-world impact through collaboration and innovation.
In development, check back soonBecause no one understands youth mental health better than young people themselves. They know what's working, and what's not. They bring ideas that are grounded in lived reality, not just theory.
When young people are part of the research process, the results are more relevant, ethical, and impactful. Their involvement leads to solutions that fit the world in which they live.
For us, it's simple: research about youth must include youth.
Engagement without support isn't fair or effective. We offer:
We don't just ask for input. We invest in youth as co-creators.
At GIHD, young people are not just participants; they are co-creators, leaders, and changemakers in our mental health initiatives. Here's how they actively contribute.
Through these roles, young people at GIHD are integral to shaping mental health initiatives that are relevant, effective, and sustainable.
For us, it's never about ticking boxes. It's about sharing power and making it count. We create spaces where young people:
We engage for change.
Engaging youth deeply and respectfully takes commitment. Here's how we make it real.
Youth involvement at every stage: From project start to finish, young people are central.
Clear roles, clear voices: Everyone knows their part and is empowered to lead.
Youth Engagement Lead: A dedicated champion ensures youth voices drive decisions.
Diversity matters: We seek out young people from all backgrounds and experiences.
Partner with youth-led groups: Collaboration strengthens trust and impact.
Recognize expertise: Youth knowledge is valued and respected, always.
Fair compensation: Youth contributions are rewarded transparently and fairly.
Training and growth: Everyone, young and old, grows through shared learning.
Safe, inclusive spaces: We create environments where young people thrive.
Long-term commitment: Relationships and impact feedback don't end with a project.
Clear communication: Transparent, respectful, and consistent, no surprises.
This is how we transition from tokenism to genuine partnership, creating lasting change.
Explore guidance, publications, and practical tools supporting meaningful youth engagement and lived experience.
Practical guidance for embedding lived experience expertise in mental health research.
Read guideline FrameworkWHO's global standard for meaningfully engaging young people in health decisions.
Read framework PublicationsPeer-reviewed research and reports produced by GIHD's teams and partners.
Browse publicationsYour voice. Your passion. Your ideas. They matter.
Whether you're driven by lived experience, curiosity, or the desire to create change, there's a place for you in this work. Together, we can develop genuine, relevant, and transformative mental health solutions. Be part of the change.
Start here
DHA Islamabad: Building 18, SVC Road C2/C4, Sector H, Phase 5, DHA Islamabad, Pakistan
Mandra: Near Rural Health Center, Mandra, Village Bucha, Tehsil Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
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