In the 1970s and early 1980s, the Tanzanian government, with funding from the Danish International Development Agency and technical support from the World Health Organisation, embarked on the integration of mental health care into primary health services. To date, the gains have been modest due to resource constraints, lack of a mental health promotion strategy, stigma, and an emphasis on the treatment of severe mental illness. Less than 20% of those in need have access to mental health services, and services for young people are rare, except in cities such as Dar es Salaam, where young people from wealthy families are able to attend private clinics.

Reports and research findings from Tanzania show that mental health is in crisis in the country (Aga Khan University, 2024). Nevertheless, studies have shown that digital tools can potentially address mental health challenges and contribute to relational wellbeing (Mwambingu et al, 2019; WHO & ITU, 2024). This approach would include accessible, high-quality education tailored to the needs of young learners, readily available technological resources to enhance learning and personal development, and comprehensive healthcare that addresses both physical and mental health needs.

Data will be collected through surveys and face-to-face interviews. Digital tools will also be utilised.

To assess existing knowledge and explore risk and protective factors that determine youth mental wellbeing, this study assumes that participating young people possess an inherent understanding of the risk and protective factors for their mental health and overall development. Policymakers, researchers, non-governmental organisations, youth and other stakeholders will engage in participatory dialogue on mental health and youth development. To raise awareness of mental health and relational wellbeing among urban youth, discussions will focus on the relational nature of the factors (risk and protective) for their mental health and ways to address them.

The project aims to address mental health challenges among urban youth in Tanzania, gain an understanding of the factors that affect them, and employ a relational approach using digital technologies. The project seeks to enhance relational wellbeing and mental health resilience by engaging youth groups in action research

The study will explore how young people perceive mental health challenges in the context of their day-to-day lives. The relational approach, grounded in a real-world context and explored collaboratively with youth groups through emerging digital applications, will generate insights that will help inform sustainable future development.

This monitoring, evaluation and learning process will ensure that the project tracks progress and outcomes and that the researchers also continuously gather insights, to adapt the programme and foster relational wellbeing through strategic, inclusive digital and mental health interventions for youth.