Scotland is set to transform mental health care with the introduction of its first-ever network of walk-in support hubs. Spearheaded by the charity Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), the initiative aims to provide immediate assistance to those struggling with mental health issues—eliminating the barriers of referrals, appointments, and waiting lists.
No More Waiting Lists: Immediate Mental Health Support
SAMH’s ambitious new project, The Nook, is designed to end the “waiting list misery” experienced by tens of thousands seeking mental health services. Unlike traditional support systems, which often require lengthy waiting periods and bureaucratic hurdles, The Nook will offer a space where anyone in distress can walk in and receive help right away.
The first Nook will be established in Glasgow, with a launch planned for autumn 2025. Experts in accessible and welcoming design have been enlisted to ensure that the space is inviting and comfortable for visitors. This hub will serve as the prototype for a broader network, with additional locations planned for Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Inverclyde, and Lanarkshire.
A Nationwide Mental Health Initiative
The Nook is more than just a physical space—it is a comprehensive initiative aimed at reaching people in need across Scotland. Each hub will also feature an extensive outreach program, allowing support to extend beyond the city centers to surrounding areas.
To fund the project, SAMH has launched its first-ever major appeal, targeting £10 million to sustain the hubs for three years. Donations are being accepted via the charity’s website, and public support is being heavily encouraged.
“The Most Ambitious Thing We’ve Ever Done”
SAMH CEO Billy Watson emphasized the significance of The Nook, calling it “the most ambitious thing we’ve ever done.” He expressed confidence that the initiative will revolutionize mental health support in Scotland, while also inspiring long-term systemic change.
“We believe people with mental health problems should be able to ask once and get help fast,” Watson said. “The most important aspect of The Nook is the delivery of effective, compassionate, and person-centered mental health support that empowers people to improve their wellbeing.”
He also stressed the need for public support: “With more donations, we can open more Nooks in more communities.”
Real People, Real Stories
The impact of mental health struggles is deeply personal, as evidenced by individuals like Steve Tufnell from Falkirk. Having endured years of bullying, family rejection, and depression, Steve found himself in crisis during the COVID-19 lockdown. He credits SAMH with changing his life.
“A friend let me know about SAMH, and it’s a miracle really. If that hadn’t happened, I really don’t know where I’d be now,” he said.
Regarding The Nook, Steve added, “It’s an absolutely fantastic idea. Somewhere relaxing, where you can take the weight of the world off your shoulders. It would definitely have helped me.”
A Response to Scotland’s Mental Health Crisis
The launch of The Nook comes at a critical time. Shona Littlejohn, chair of SAMH, pointed out that Scotland is in the midst of a mental health crisis.
“People are sitting on waiting lists, unable to access the help they need, while too many of our young people are rejected from support,” she stated. “We have waited long enough for investment in better community mental health support. Something has to change.”
Littlejohn made it clear that SAMH was taking matters into its own hands: “We have waited long enough for government and other bodies to solve this problem. It’s time to take action, it’s time to create change, and that’s what The Nook is all about.”
Government Support and Funding for Community Mental Health
Scotland’s Mental Wellbeing Minister, Maree Todd, welcomed SAMH’s initiative, acknowledging its importance in the broader context of mental health support.
“The importance of community interventions in supporting people’s mental wellbeing cannot be underestimated,” Todd said. “Prevention and early intervention are hugely important.”
She highlighted the Scottish Government’s continued investment in mental health services, citing over £130 million allocated since 2020 for community-based support. A further £30 million will be invested in adult mental health services over the next two years, with additional funds directed toward support for children and young people.
A New Era for Mental Health Support in Scotland
With The Nook set to open its doors in 2025, Scotland is taking a bold step toward a future where mental health support is immediate, accessible, and free from bureaucratic obstacles. For thousands of people in need, that future can’t come soon enough.
