Mention the words ‘mental health’ and what comes to mind?
Just as we all can have good or poor physical health, our mental health can vary greatly too. When our mental health suffers, it can affect how we think, how we feel, and how we act, every day.
For so long, mental health has been a topic that can be stigmatised and misunderstood. It can be difficult to talk about our personal struggles, and it’s so important that we can find the people or the safe places that can help when we need it the most.
I’m personally delighted that a ground-breaking new supportive community will be opening soon in Aberdeen, thanks to the Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH). The Nook will offer free, drop-in mental health and wellbeing support in the city centre seven days a week - without the need for an appointment or referral.
The Nook will provide visitors with access to support for themselves, or people they care about, as a safe, stigma-free space where anyone can visit to speak about mental health.
Goldstar is very pleased and proud to have joined fellow contractors in providing our services free in support of this great new facility.
Seeking help and talking about our struggles is not easy, so anything that can break down the stigma and allow easy access to a listening ear or practical support must be welcomed. Thank you and good luck to all at SAMH.
By Kevin Urquhart, Construction Director, Barratt & David Wilson Homes, North Scotland
Life can change in a split second. Individuals and families can find themselves facing the most distressing situations as a result of a breakdown or poor mental health. We appreciate that no one is immune to poor mental health and what’s important is to offer support, love, and guidance to those who are in need.
Learning together about how to deal with this requires support and generosity to SAMH. We are proud to support The Nook and the fantastic work carried out by SAMH across Scotland’s communities. The Nook will provide a critical resource for individuals struggling with their mental health, offering a welcoming, supportive, and understanding environment. Sometimes that’s all we need: to know that help is close by.
We must continue to break down the barriers to accessing mental health care. Providing a sense of community and belonging for those in need is so important, and I’m passionate about continuing to help SAMH develop mental health awareness and practical support in our communities.
The Nook will be a tremendous asset to Aberdeen’s city centre, and I commend SAMH for all they do to provide active support for individuals and their loved ones.
You can learn more about The Nook here: https://www.samh.org.uk/about-us/the-nook/the-nook-in-aberdeen-coming-soon