This week in Aberdeen, civic engagement and mental health advocacy came together as part of ongoing community activity supporting wellbeing across the city.
Miles of Smiles, an 82-week awareness and engagement initiative, saw its latest civic walk from Marischal College to Union Terrace, attended alongside the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron.
The initiative, led by Marius Coste, Facilities Management Leader for Elior UK, continues to highlight mental health awareness through public engagement, workplace visibility, and community connection across Aberdeen.
During the walk, participants visited The Nook, SAMH’s forthcoming walk-in mental health support hub, due to open in Aberdeen in June 2026. The facility will provide free, barrier-free access to mental health support, with no appointment or referral required, offering immediate assistance in a non-clinical, accessible environment.
The project is positioned to strengthen early intervention support across the region and provide an additional point of access for individuals seeking help outside of traditional clinical pathways.
Miles of Smiles is currently supporting awareness and fundraising activity linked to the development of The Nook, reinforcing collaboration between third sector organisations and community initiatives across the city.
The engagement reflects continued cooperation between civic leadership and community programmes focused on wellbeing, inclusion, and preventative support.
Now in week 49 of 82, the Miles of Smiles initiative continues its programme of weekly engagement across Aberdeen, linking workplace wellbeing, community visibility, and public sector collaboration.