SAMH to open network of mental health hubs across Scotland

Scotland's biggest mental health charity, SAMH, is opening a network of hubs across the country where people can walk in and speak to someone about their feelings straight away.

The first site will open in Glasgow later this year and more are planned for Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverclyde and Lanarkshire.

The initiative is being named The Nook and it's hoped the £10m project will ease pressure on the NHS.

Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH, said: “We believe people with mental health problems should be able to ask once and get help fast, so we’re taking action to make that a reality.

“The Nook is the most ambitious thing we’ve ever done. We believe it will revolutionise mental health support in Scotland – and inspire collective action to change the system in the longer term."

Steve Tufnell from Falkirk was bullied at school leading to depression during most of his adult life.

He said: "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.

"The Nook is an absolutely fantastic idea. Somewhere relaxing, and you can take the weight of the world off your shoulders.

“It would definitely have helped me."

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