Welcome | Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland We protect and promote the human rights of people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions. Our video Scroll to page content Latest news 15 Apr, 2026 Commission publishes new local visit reports - April 2026 15 Apr, 2026 Voting rights 2026 17 Mar, 2026 Commission publishes new local visit reports - March 2026 More news Featured content Who we are and what we do The Commission was originally set up in 1960 under the Mental Health Act. Our duties are set out in current mental health and incapacity law. Good practice The best care and treatment of people with mental illness, learning disability, dementia and related conditions is not always straight forward. Every individual and every situation is different.We wor ... Our mission is to be a leading and independent voice in promoting a society where people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions are treated fairly, have their righ ... Rights in Mind This pathway is designed to help staff in mental health services ensure that patients have their human rights respected at key points in their treatment. Local visit reports We carry out local visits to people who are being treated or cared for in local services, such as a particular hospital ward, a local care home, local supported accommodation, the State Hospital or a ... View all reports My interest is Professional This section takes you directly to the content we think is of most use to medical, nursing, social work and other professionals working for people with mental illness, learning disability, dementia or related conditions. Find out about notifying the Commission here. Law and Rights Guidance & advice MHA and AWI forms My interest is Personal This section takes you directly to the content we think is most helpful for people with their own lived experience and for relatives/friends or other carers. Getting treatment Your rights Common conditions Looking for something specific? Most searched topics My rights Detention Dementia Compulsory treatment Needing help Complaints