A week before transformational mental health hub The Nook opens its doors in Aberdeen, SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) is taking it on tour across some of the city’s busiest destinations.
The Nook, based in Marischal Square, is part of Scotland’s first national network of walk-in mental health hubs, and will offer free mental health and wellbeing information and support seven days a week. It will officially open to the public for the first time at 10am on Wednesday 17 June and will welcome visitors immediately for compassionate, non-clinical support.
The Wee Nook, a custom-built, tourable model of the city-centre hub, will be popping up around Aberdeen over the next week, giving locals a special preview. The Wee Nook will also be part of subsequent outreach activity across communities in the North-East.
Kicking off today in Union Square, The Wee Nook gives shoppers a chance to hear about the hub’s barrier-free access to one-to-one and group support, as well as its events and outreach programme.
It will also showcase some of The Nook’s most notable design features, which have been created with input from the local community and people with experience of mental health problems.
The Wee Nook will be visiting:
- Union Square on Monday 8 June, 9am to 5pm
- Aberdeen Train Station on Tuesday 9 June, 3pm to 6pm
- Bon Accord Centre on Friday 12 June, midday to 5pm.
The largest mental health charity initiative in Scotland’s history, The Nook gives people experiencing mental health problems a place to ask once and get help fast, from a welcoming and safe space. SAMH is raising £10 million to support The Nook in Aberdeen and across Scotland.
With no need to book an appointment, no need for referrals, and no waiting lists, anyone looking for help will be able to walk through the door of The Nook seven days a week from 17 June.
Scott Barron, who was supported by SAMH project The Changing Room, said: "The support I got from The Changing Room at Pittodrie was really helpful. It wasn't just the staff, it was the safe space to open up and the connections I formed with the other guys who went along too. Those friendships will stay with me for life. Even now after the programme has finished, the guys are just a message away.
"It's so important to know where to go if you need support, and to have that community there for you. I really hope lots of people hear about The Nook and give it a go if they're going through a hard time."
Felicitas Fischer, The Nook’s Service Manager, said: “The Nook is here to provide free, accessible mental health and wellbeing support for anyone who needs us. The Wee Nook, which is popping up across the city in the coming days, gives Aberdonians a little preview of what to expect when our doors open next week: kind and compassionate support in a non-clinical space.
“The Nook in Glasgow is already changing lives, with more than 3,000 people visiting in the first six months. We’re here to help just as many people in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and beyond.
“Please stop by for a chat at The Wee Nook this week, and at The Nook itself from Wednesday 17 June. We can’t wait to welcome you!”
The Nook in Aberdeen is the second in Scotland’s first ever national network of walk-in mental health support hubs.
More information is available on The Nook website.