Home / What We Do
Our Programmes & Impact

How We Create
Change

Four evidence-based programmes — running across 18 regions — that directly improve the mental health and dignity of Tanzania's elderly population.

4
Core Programmes
12,000+
Elders Supported
240+
CHWs Trained
18
Regions Covered
What Drives Us

Six Goals.
One Purpose.

Everything SEMHIT does flows from a single belief: that every elderly person in Tanzania deserves access to mental healthcare, community connection, and a life lived with dignity. These six goals guide every programme we run and every policy we advocate for.

Mental health does not diminish with age — but support for it too often does. SEMHIT exists to close that gap, one community at a time.
— SEMHIT Founding Charter, 2017
01

Accessible Mental Healthcare

Bringing free screening, counselling, and treatment to elders who would otherwise go without care — regardless of location or income.

02

Community Integration

Combating social isolation through structured peer groups and intergenerational programmes that rebuild belonging.

03

Caregiver Empowerment

Training family members and health workers to provide informed, compassionate support to elders in their care.

04

Evidence Generation

Conducting rigorous research that informs national policy and continuously improves care models across Tanzania.

05

Policy Advocacy

This policy establishes a framework for collaboration between the Akili Mali project, its members, Newcastle University
and other collaborating institutions, development partners and other relevant government authorities in Tanzania.

06

Sustainable Systems

Building local capacity so communities can maintain and expand mental health support long after our direct involvement ends.

Flagship Initiatives

Our Four Programmes

Each programme targets a distinct gap in care — together they form a complete, integrated system of support.

SEMHIT community mental health clinic
Clinical Care
Programme 01

Community Mental Health Clinics

Mobile and fixed-site clinics providing free mental health assessments, counselling, and medication management for depression, anxiety, and dementia. Staffed by trained clinicians who understand the cultural context of Tanzanian elders.

32
Active Clinics
8,400+
Patients Served
SEMHIT Elder Circles peer support group
Social Support
Programme 02

Elder Circles Programme

Weekly facilitated peer groups that bring elders together for conversation, activities, and mutual support. Proven to reduce loneliness and depression while building lasting community bonds across all 18 regions we operate in.

156
Active Circles
68%
Loneliness Reduction
SEMHIT community health worker home visit
Home-Based Care
Programme 03

Community Health Worker Network

Trained community health workers who visit homebound elders, providing basic mental health support, monitoring, and connection to clinical services when needed. This programme ensures no elder is left behind due to mobility or distance.

240+
CHWs Trained
3,200+
Home Visits
SEMHIT caregiver training workshop
Capacity Building
Programme 04

Caregiver Training & Support

Comprehensive training for family caregivers and professional staff on elderly mental health, dementia care, and self-care strategies. Includes ongoing support groups and access to SEMHIT's resource library and helpline.

1,800+
Caregivers Trained
92%
Satisfaction Rate
Our Approach

How a Community Gets Support

From first contact to long-term care — every elder who reaches us goes through a proven four-step journey.

01
Community Screening

CHWs and mobile clinic teams conduct free mental health screenings in communities, identifying elders who need support.

02
Care Planning

Each elder receives a personalised care plan — clinical, social, or both — based on their specific needs and circumstances.

03
Programme Enrolment

Elders are enrolled in the right combination of our four programmes — clinics, circles, home visits, and caregiver training.

04
Monitoring & Follow-up

Ongoing monitoring tracks progress. Data feeds back into our research, improving care for every elder who follows.

Measured Outcomes

Impact by the Numbers

0
Elderly individuals supported
across all programmes
0%
Reduction in untreated
depression cases
0%
Participants report improved
mental wellbeing
0
Regions across Tanzania
currently reached

Help Us Reach More Elders

Every dollar funds a clinic visit, a circle session, or a caregiver trained.

❤ Donate Now Partner With Us