The NCMH had been an organisation of psychiatrists and psychologists, while the CAMH

comprised representatives of various voluntary bodies. Among other things, they helped run and
monitor institutions for the mentally handicapped, and developing training for mental health
professionals. They were both part of the social hygiene movement, and had advocated eugenics
and sterilisation as a means of dealing with those considered too mentally deficient to be assisted
into healthy productive work and contented family life.[6]
The beginnings of the National Association for Mental Health also coincided with the
development of the National Health Service and the welfare state.