NMHDU, launched in April 2009, consists of a small central team and a range of programmes funded by both the Department of Health and the NHS to provide national support for implementing mental health policy by advising on national and international best practice to improve mental health and mental health services.

The new body takes over some of the national activities previously carried out by the National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE) while the ten Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) will incorporate the resources of the former NIMHE Regional Development Centres to support regional and local delivery.

For more information see www.nmhdu.org.uk