Towards a Scalable Early Intervention System for Youth Depression and Anxiety in Indonesia.

This Foundation Award will establish research and delivery infrastructure for a scalable, culturally adapted early intervention programme for adolescent depression and anxiety in Indonesia. Co-led with young people and lived experience contributors, the programme prioritises inclusive design, creative engagement, and community-based delivery. This preparatory work will enable a future impact study to expand early access to Behavioural Activation (BA)—a WHO-recommended psychological intervention that targets inactivity and avoidance, core mechanisms of depression and anxiety. BA’s simplicity, adaptability, and strong evidence base make it well-suited for delivery by trained lay health workers in low-resource settings, ensuring feasibility and sustainability. Three work packages will guide this foundation programme: WP1 (Empower) will build inclusive research capacity through training, translated resources, and digital tools to support meaningful participation. WP2 (Prepare) will co-develop youth-informed research infrastructure using creative methods and plan stigma-reduction strategies. WP3 (Develop) will strengthen strategic partnerships and collaborative governance. We will also identify culturally relevant, age-appropriate screening tools for early detection of depression and anxiety, ensuring practicality in low-resource contexts. Lived experience leadership will shape all stages, with arts-based activities—such as youth-led films, exhibitions, and plans for a co-created serial drama—amplifying youth voices, reducing stigma, and promoting help-seeking.