40 years of care: The Scottish Cot Death Trust timeline

The Trust funded an investigation of the handling of sudden infant deaths by Police, Procurators Fiscal and Pathologists. Results were presented at a meeting hosted by the Crown Agent.

The Trust co-ordinated the development of a standard autopsy protocol – one of the first in the world, and secured the right of bereaved parents to have access to a copy of the post mortem report.

Case Review pilot study launched, co-ordinated by the Trust.

The first Support worker appointed to develop family support.

Work ongoing with the Scottish Government and NHS Quality Improvement Scotland on the implementation of national guidelines for dealing with cot deaths in Scotland.

A formal Next Infant Support Programme is piloted in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, later to be rolled out across the whole of Scotland. Rory’s Star, the Trust’s first bereaved sibling support resource is launched.

The Trust works with NHS National Education Scotland to produce a professional e- learning module on sudden unexpected death in infancy. Support services expand to include 23 counsellors providing sessions for parents (individually and as a couple) and grandparents. Various therapies are available including cognitive behavioural therapy, person centred and trauma therapies. Sibling play therapies become available. The inaugural Scottish SUDI Summit is held in Edinburgh.

The Trust appoints a Scottish Coordinator to work in partnership with NHS Boards and other key agencies. The new role enables a national review system to continue, to educate key professionals about reduce the risk messages and to promote the next infant support programme with maternity professionals across the country, so that women who want this support are referred as early as possible.

Support services are restructured to provide community outreach bereavement support workers in the north, east and west of Scotland, providing at home visiting and on-going contact by dedicated bereavement professionals.

The Trust commemorates its 30th anniversary. Second sibling support book, Andrew’s Rainbow is launched for children born into a family after the death of a child.

The ISPID ISA conference on Stillbirth, SIDS and Baby Survival is arranged and hosted by the Scottish Cot Death Trust. 550 delegates attend the three day event.

The charity launches it’s new SCDT website, alongside safesleepscotland.org –  a standalone education hub providing an accessible and engaging platform for ‘reduce the risk’ information and resources.

In 2025, the SCDT commemorates it’s 40th anniversary.

In May 2025, due to financial strain, the SCDT enter into discussions with The Lullaby Trust about how we may be able to work together to ensure support for families in Scotland continues.

In March 2026, the SCDT’s work is transferred to The Lullaby Trust. This ensures that life-saving information and vital bereavement support will continue for families in Scotland. After all, we have always shared the same unwavering mission – to save babies’ lives and support bereaved families.