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about sdc
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who we are |
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Theoretical Foundations Mental health is about how individuals, families, communities, organisations and whole societies feel and function. Mental health and well being are essential resources for a vibrant, flourishing society. How individuals and communities feel about themselves, their lives and their prospects for the future is directly related to:
An understanding of mental health and how to foster and maintain it among individuals, communities and organisations is a prerequisite, if Scotland, like other countries in Europe, is to be successful in achieving its social and economic goals. We now know a good deal about the kinds of conditions, circumstances and interventions which help foster good mental health.
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SDC promotes the more effective utilisation of what is known about risk and protective factors for mental health, to inform the development of policy and interventions. We take an empowering approach to build on skills, resources and assets of individuals, communities and organisations so that a country like Scotland can make full use of the potential that exists in the diversity of its people and places. SDC seeks to develop capacity for intersectoral partnerships and for stakeholder participation, in working towards mental health improvement. |
SDC works from a firm theoretical foundation, as follows: Public Mental Health Our work is underpinned by a public mental health approach. This locates the individual, group or community within a wider socio-economic environment and recognises the dynamic interactive nature of the relationship between individual, community and the socio-economic environment. Recognising and Tackling Inequalities The chances of experiencing good mental health are not randomly distributed but are closely related to social, economic and material circumstances. There is a close association between socio-economic disadvantage and poor mental health, in terms of perceived control, hopefulness, self esteem, social connectedness, feeling safe, exposure to violence and abuse. Mental health tends to be poorer where social exclusion and health inequalities are greater. Using Evidence and Experience SDC promotes the more effective utilisation of what is known about risk and protective factors for mental health, to inform the development of policy and interventions. SDC advocates a wide focus, extending beyond an exclusive concern with individual factors to consider the interface between individual and wider community and societal forces that influence mental health outcomes. Intersectoral Approaches Action to improve mental health requires coordinated effort at policy, planning and service delivery level. Action also has to draw on wide ranging expertise from professional groups, organisations and communities of experience. SDC therefore seeks to develop capacity for intersectoral partnerships and for stakeholder participation, in working towards mental health improvement. Using Strengths and Assets We take an empowering approach to build on skills, resources and assets of individuals, communities and organisations so that a country like Scotland can make full use of the potential that exists in the diversity of its people and places. Life Course Perspective Cycles of advantage and disadvantage are replicated through the life course. It is crucial for the understanding of mental health and wellbeing to identify the key challenges and perspectives that prevail at different life stages. Tailoring approaches to population mental health require this awareness. Transitions of all kinds are critical junctures in life which impact on mental health and well being. The experience in childhood - and early years in particular – has been shown to be critical for mental health and well being promotion and prevention of mental ill health. |
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