A bit of history
On 1st April 2004, Depression Alliance Scotland (DAS) became an independent Scottish charity providing information and support to people affected by depression throughout Scotland.
We started life in 1997 as the Scottish office of the London-based Depression Alliance which originally covered the whole UK. Following devolution and the creation of the Scottish Parliament, it was decided that an independent Scottish
The beginning of Depression Alliance
The road which led DAS to this point spanned 30 years in development beginning with Janet Stevenson in 1974. Janet was a Londoner who had depression herself. She became aware that when she met with others with depression, she felt supported and that those with depression really understood how it can feel.
She set up a self help group from which other self help groups were formed in London and began to move to other parts of England. All the group facilitators, as now, were volunteers. Many have, or have had depression themselves.
The groups' success grew and in 1994 they chose their name, Depression Alliance. At this time the organisation was left a legacy of £50,000. Paid workers established the organisation; the highly praised DA booklets were compiled and, as more funds were raised and supported by the Department of Health, more staff were able to be recruited.
The Beginnings of Depression Alliance Scotland
It became clear that people in Scotland and Wales could also benefit. In 1997 Depression Alliance Scotland and Depression Alliance Cymru opened offices in Edinburgh and Cardiff, branches of Depression Alliance. From 1997 to 1999, the organisation in Scotland had one person in paid employment with several volunteers. The amount of work achieved was remarkable – self help groups started to be set up, a conference organised, phone and email lines set up for clients, carers, health professionals and volunteers.
In 1999, funding from the Community Trust enabled DAS to employ a specific group development worker. Self help groups were set up and in 2000, the first Information Officer was employed, thanks this time to funding by Lloyds TSB trust.
Depression Alliance Scotland becomes independent
The Scottish Parliament had been created in 1999 and it was soon realised that an independent Scotland-focused organisation was required. While depression is the same in terms of symptoms throughout the UK, the fact that Scotland has a separate Mental Health Act, funding streams, different local trusts and referral systems and geographical and population issues indicated a need for a more particular Scottish organisation. A fully devolved Scottish organisation could help to advise upon, and implement, national mental health policy in the area of depression within a devolved Scottish health service.
After various changes in staff and resources, Depression Alliance Scotland was launched as an independent charity with a Scottish Board of Directors who work with the Chief Executive and staff to provide services which aim to reach anyone affected by depression in Scotland.
Cynthia Milligan, then chair of DAS, speaking at the launch.
Depression Alliance Scotland today
Today we are a growing organisation with six members of staff. In July 2008 we moved into new offices at 11 Alva Street, Edinburgh which will give us space to build the organisation further and expand.