SDC was established in Edinburgh in 1997, with set-up funding from the (then) Scottish Office.

Two key organisations were instrumental in fostering the development of SDC in its early days: the Scottish Association for Mental Health and King’s College London, through its Centre for Mental Health Services Development.

From 1997 to 2003, SDC remained part of King’s College London, within the Institute of Applied Health and Social Policy (IAHSP). During this period, SDC had an Advisory Group in Scotland that included representation from the NHS, local authorities, the voluntary sector, service users and carers.

In its early years, SDC focused on supporting the implementation of the Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland. We took an active role in working with local NHS, local authorities and other stakeholder groups to develop local strategies for the development of community mental health services.

From the outset, SDC has offered expertise in policy and strategy development, research and evaluation and support for service redesign and improvement.

We worked closely with national and local policy makers and decision makers to expand the field of vision in mental health policy in Scotland, a process which culminated in the establishment of the National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-being. We have contributed in a variety of ways to the achievement of the key landmarks in mental health in Scotland since 1997. These include:

• Assisting with consultations leading to Scotland’s new mental health legislation
• Supporting the development of the Choose Life strategy on suicide prevention
• Establishing a national research and development programme on primary care mental health, within the University of Edinburgh
• Facilitating and continuing to support the development of the Scottish Recovery Network
• Supporting the development of national policy on mentally disordered offenders and working with the Scottish Prison Service on the development of its mental health strategy and related services
• Initiating work on inequalities in mental health in Scotland through the Equal Minds conference and subsequent developments
• Promoting the development of employment and work opportunities for people with mental health problems
• Contributing to national developments on children and young people’s mental health

In 2003, SDC became a not-for-profit organisation with its own governance structure. This was a major step for SDC, indicating confidence that it had a continuing role to play in mental health not only in Scotland but also further afield and had the capability to manage its own affairs and financial future.

Our networks and contacts now extend internationally, undertaking work in the European Commission Public Health Programme and for WHO Europe.

Working at the interfaces between policy, practice and research in mental health for 10 years means SDC has a unique overview of policy and practice relating to mental health in Scotland and beyond. We look ahead with anticipation to the next ten years and to playing a leading role in promoting mental health and well being, in partnership with others.