Emma McMillan, SAMH; Gary Sinclair, SAMH; Ayesha Munir, Hardies Chartered Surveyors; Nathan Johnstone, Hardies Chartered Surveyors; Jason Bryce, SAMH pictured at The Nook Aberdeen
HARDIES Chartered Surveyors and Shepherd Chartered Surveyors have helped SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) to deliver The Nook in Aberdeen.
The Nook is a walk-in mental health hub where anyone can access stigma-free support, seven days a week.
The firms helped transform the Marischal Square site, which previously housed restaurant Tony Macaroni, into The Nook, which opened on June 17. This is the second in SAMH’s national network of Nooks, where anyone can access free mental health support in a welcoming and non-clinical space without the need for appointments, referrals, or waiting lists.
Douglas Smith, managing partner at Hardies Chartered Surveyors, who leads the firm’s work with SAMH, said, “Our teams are delighted to help bring this welcoming, purpose‑built space to life, working closely with Burns Construction’s team led by Graeme Bruce and Keith McPhee.
“Supporting SAMH in creating spaces where people can access mental health support without barriers is something we are deeply committed to. The Nook model is simple, flexible and profoundly impactful – and we are proud to play our part in bringing these hubs to communities that need them.
“This is the second Nook to be delivered within 18 months, and our firm is proud to have supported the delivery of both. The first Nook, which opened in Glasgow in October, supported more than 3,000 people in its first six months!”
The largest charitable mental health initiative in Scotland’s history, SAMH hopes The Nook will revolutionise mental health support in Scotland – and inspire collective action to change the system in the longer term.
There will also be an extensive outreach programme that will accompany each hub, bringing vital support into even more communities.
Jason Bryce, chief operating officer at SAMH, added, “We are delighted to open The Nook in Aberdeen, bringing barrier-free mental health and wellbeing support to people across the north east.
“We were happy to team up once again with Hardies Chartered Surveyors and Shepherd Chartered Surveyors, who supported us with The Nook in Glasgow. Developing The Nook requires close collaboration and careful decision making to create a space that removes barriers to support, helps bring people together and provides safety and comfort for anyone accessing mental health support.”
Douglas Smith added, “This project was delivered using all consultancy services in house. It is fantastic to see another Nook come to life, providing a welcoming, purpose‑built space that supports mental health and wellbeing within the community.”
Project Scotland spoke to SAMH earlier this year about The Nook. To read the article, click here.
