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. It provides national support for implementing mental health policy by advising on national and international best practice to improve mental health and mental health services. 

NMHDU does this by commissioning or providing:

NMHDU’s work is being developed through co-production between DH and the ten Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs), and strategic partnerships with other groups such as the NHS Confederation, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and the major mental health third sector organisations.

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 SHAs will incorporate the resources of the former NIMHE Regional Development Centres to support regional and local delivery.

NMHDU Programmes for 2009/10

1. Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)
2. Supporting Effective Mental Health Commissioning
3. Improving Mental Health Care Pathways
4. Promoting Equalities in Mental Health
5. Promoting Social Inclusion and Social Justice
6. Promoting Well-Being and Public Mental Health
7. Personalisation in Mental Health- Emerging Programme

The National Mental Health Development Unit (NMHDU) is the agency charged with supporting the implementation of mental health policy in England by the Department of Health in collaboration with the NHS, Local Authorities and other major stakeholders.