The Nook, an emerging network of transformational mental health and wellbeing hubs, has supported more than 10,000 people in less than a year, showing clear demand for accessible, community-based mental health services.
Created and run by SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), The Nook has welcomed a combined 10,000 visitors to its Glasgow and Aberdeen hubs, despite only opening its second site in June.
The Nook provides barrier-free mental health and wellbeing support, seven days a week. There is no waiting list, no cost, and no need for a referral or appointment.
Achieving this milestone so quickly demonstrates how comfortable people seem to feel with The Nook’s walk-in model. Importantly, people from all walks of life are coming to The Nook for support, including communities typically underserved by mental health services.
Data and feedback already shows how The Nook promotes early intervention and prevention by making quality mental health support easily available at the point of need, giving people the best chance of early recovery and relieving pressure on statutory services.
William Smith, 46, from the East End of Glasgow, has experienced depression throughout his adult life and first visited The Nook in Glasgow in May. He said: "Before coming to The Nook, I struggled for enthusiasm in my life. I watched a lot of daytime TV, and my social life was non-existent. On occasion when I went anywhere, I was always accompanied by a family member.
“Since visiting The Nook, I’ve really come out of my shell and found a new lease of life again. I could chat for hours with the team about anything and it’s really helped me open up more about life, opportunities, and what I have planned for the future.
“I hope my experience helps others realise that life doesn’t end just because of a bad relationship or a bereavement. We can combat depression with the right help if you’re willing to get the support, but you must help yourself by taking that first step.”
A third Nook is due to be announced soon, the latest in Scotland’s first national network of walk-in mental health hubs.
The Nook team in Aberdeen.
Alex Cumming, Executive Director of Delivery and Service Development at SAMH, said: “This incredible response to our Nooks in Glasgow and Aberdeen shows that the walk-in model is working, with hundreds of people visiting every week. We are seeing so many people reaching out for support for the first time, as well as people already engaged with other services or with a diagnosis.
“Community is at the heart of The Nook, and we’re so pleased that people from all walks of life are finding their way to us for support. This includes communities too often underserved by mental health support, such as men, people from areas of deprivation and ethnic minority communities.
"These are still early days but this is a milestone moment. If things continue in this way, we expect our feedback will soon show how The Nook is relieving pressure on the NHS by providing an alternate route to accessing support.
"My message to anyone going through a tough time is this: The Nook is your place for mental health support. We are here for you, seven days a week, with a range of different supports so you can choose what best suits you. Please stop by if you need us.”
More information is available on The Nook website.