GIHD

Menu

Table of Contents

Why Youth Engagement Matters?

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?
It changes everything — programs, policies, and lives.

We believe solutions for youth mental health must be built with young people. Always.

What Do We Mean by Youth Engagement?

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:

  • Those with lived experience of mental health challenges
  • Advocates, creators, learners, doers
  • Voices that are often unheard

True engagement happens when youth influence the work — from vision to impact.

Who Are Youth Mental Health Experts?

All young people bring value.
Youth mental health experts are:

  • Young people with lived experience of mental health challenges
  • Those supporting peers through advocacy or action
  • Creators, students, leaders, entrepreneurs — anyone with insight into what it means to grow up today

We actively seek out:

  • Those from marginalized communities
  • Youth facing barriers to participation
  • Those often left out of the mental health conversation

Why Involve Youth in Mental Health Research?

Because 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.

How Can We Support Youth Participation?

Engagement without support isn’t fair — or effective.

We offer:

  • Respect for time and expertise
  • Fair compensation
  • Flexible, accessible ways to get involved
  • Mentoring, learning, and leadership opportunities

We don’t just ask for input. We invest in youth as co-creators.

What Does Meaningful Engagement Look Like?

For us, it’s never about ticking boxes. It’s about sharing power — and making it count.

We create spaces where young people:

  • Feel safe, respected, and heard
  • Shape decisions, not just react to them
  • Influence what matters — from priorities to practice

We engage for change.

How Can You Get Involved?

Want to shape the future of youth mental health? Start here.
Whether you’re driven by lived experience, curiosity, or the desire to create change, there’s a place for you in this work.

Key Considerations for Centering Young People in Mental Health Work

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 & 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 — and create lasting change.

Meaningful Roles for Young People in Mental Health Projects

At GIHD, STMU young people are not just participants; they are co-creators, leaders, and changemakers in our mental health initiatives. Here’s how they actively contribute:

Youth Engagement Roles Include:

  • Peer Researchers: Collecting and analyzing data that reflects their communities' realities.
  • Youth Advisors: Providing insights and guidance on program design and implementation.
  • Campaigners and Advocates: Raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health issues.
  • Creative Storytellers: Sharing personal narratives to humanize and amplify mental health messages.
  • Program Co-Designers: Collaborating in the development and refinement of mental health programs.

Areas of Collaboration:

  • Prioritization & Planning: Engaging in discussions to identify and prioritize mental health issues affecting youth.
  • Program & Research Design: Contributing to the creation of programs and research that address identified needs.
  • Governance & Leadership: Participating in decision-making processes and leadership roles within projects.
  • Data Collection & Participation: Actively involved in gathering data through surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
  • Analysis & Interpretation: Assisting in the interpretation of data to draw meaningful conclusions.
  • Reporting & Dissemination: Helping to communicate findings and share results with stakeholders.
  • Implementation & Evaluation: Participating in the rollout and assessment of programs to ensure effectiveness.

Through these roles, young people at GIHD, STMU are integral to shaping mental health initiatives that are relevant, effective, and sustainable.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Youth Mental Health

Your voice. Your passion. Your ideas. They matter.

Together, we can develop genuine, relevant, and transformative mental health solutions.
Get involved. Make a difference. Be part of the change.

Reach out to us today at:
📧 hr@gihd.stmu.edu.pk
🌐 www.gihd.stmu.edu.pk
📞 +92 333 0590373