SAMH Revenue and Competitors

SAMH was founded in 1923 to provide support to the wide network of Local Associations for mental health. In those early days, the Local Associations represented the interests of people with learning difficulties, as well as those with mental health problems. There is no record of SAMH's activities from then until the mid 1950s, but the Annual Reports of the 50's and 60's indicate that there were a high number of medical practitioners amongst office bearers, and activities centred on public education through lectures, courses and conferences. SAMH reconstituted in 1976 and developed its role as a political pressure group, and concentrated its activities on representing the interests of people with mental health problems. The campaigning side of the organisation is very much at the forefront of our activities today. In 1983 SAMH opened its first service, Sprout Market Garden; a horticultural project where people with mental health problems could gain work experience. The following year, SAMH's first Supported Accommodation project was set up in Livingston, West Lothian. It is hard to believe that as recently as 1984, SAMH only employed three members of staff. There followed a period of gradual and steady growth in the organisation until 1988. At this time a combination of Sir Roy Griffith's report on care in the community and the introduction of the Employment Training Programme, saw the organisation embark on a period of exponential growth. Later, SAMH successfully secured substantial European Social Fund monies, which combined with the introduction of the NHS and Community Care Act, permitted the organisation to continue to develop new services. Today, SAMH provides community based services for over 3000 people across Scotland, offering support, training and recovery for those experiencing mental health problems, addictions, homelessness and other forms of social exclusion.