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I am a Clinical Psychologist and a researcher in global mental health, holding an MSc in Global Mental Health from King's College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. I am currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Cape Town, with my work based in Harare, Zimbabwe. My doctoral research, titled ‘Evaluating the Contextual Adaptation of a Psychological Intervention for Young People with Depression in Zimbabwe,’ funded by the African Mental Health Research Initiative (AMARI II), aims to examine both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of adapting task-shared psychological interventions for youth aged 15 to 24 years in sub-Saharan Africa. The community engagement initiative, “Out of the Shadows,” is driven by the need to raise awareness and improve understanding of researchers’ efforts regarding mental health interventions from the perspectives of young individuals. By actively involving young communities, the project seeks to ensure that research-informed interventions are culturally and contextually appropriate, thereby increasing their acceptability and sustainability. This platform empowers young people to voice their opinions on research, build trust, and foster stronger collaboration between researchers and communities.
Current Community Engagement project
Out of the Shadows is a community engagement initiative, being implemented in Harare, Zimbabwe, targeting young individuals aged between 18 and 24. The Community Engagement (CE) aims to understand the risks and protective factors associated with depression among youth in Zimbabwe. The primary objective of the CE project is to amplify the voices of young people to inform and enhance mental health interventions tailored to their specific needs. This information will be utilized to inform a research study seeking to evaluate the cultural adaptation of a psychological intervention for young individuals experiencing depression. By establishing a safe environment, the project bridges the gap between research and the community, enabling young people to openly share their experiences, challenge stigma, and contribute to meaningful solutions. Through a podcast series and community discussions, the project offers opportunities for youth to express themselves and learn collaboratively. All activities are conducted with a rigorous adherence to ethical standards, ensuring that participants are adequately informed, supported, and represented. This community-led approach emphasizes that mental health is a shared experience rather than solely an individual challenge. Through close collaboration with young people, Out of the Shadows offers valuable insights into the perceptions and understandings of depression across diverse cultural contexts. The project's episodes, available on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, facilitate accessible and shareable narratives.
