The centre was established to promote, guide and enhance psychosocial support initiatives carried out by Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies globally. The International Federation Psychological Support Policy Paper, adopted May 2003, established the basis of Red Cross and Red Crescent intervention both in emergency response operations and in the implementation of long-term development programmes. Within this policy, the mandate of the PS Centre is to mainstream psychosocial support in all National Societies. As stated in the consultation on National Society centres and networks commissioned by the Governing Board of the International Federation in March 2007, the centre provides a potentially flexible and creative structure to develop and disseminate expertise.