Pioneering digital technology developed by GP and NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Dr Julian Nesbitt is helping power Scotland’s first-ever national network of walk-in mental health support hubs, launched by SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health).
The Nook, which provides barrier-free access to mental health support, is using the Dr Julian platform in its Aberdeen and Glasgow hubs, with further Nooks to follow next year. The Nook supports young people, adults and families seven days a week, without wait lists, NHS referrals, or the need for an appointment. Anyone looking for support can simply walk through the door when they need it.
The Dr Julian platform has already supported the delivery of over one million therapy sessions across NHS, independent and community mental health services, providing a proven foundation for scaling innovative care models like The Nook.
Dr Julian said the partnership demonstrates how technology can help transform community mental health services and remove barriers to care.
He added: “Too often, people struggle to access mental health support due to long waits and complex referral pathways. The Nook is changing that with a simple, community-based model where people can access compassionate support when they need it.
“We’re proud to support SAMH with technology that supports more accessible, personalised and continuous support across Scotland.”
Ciaran Barbour, Head of Digital and Information Systems at SAMH, said: “We needed a platform that could support public access to services while remaining simple and accessible for people who may be digitally excluded or less confident using technology.
“The Dr Julian team worked closely with us to adapt the platform around our vision for The Nook, helping us create a service that is adaptable to meet local need but can be rolled out to future Nooks across the country.”
Behind the scenes, Dr Julian’s digital platform is helping SAMH deliver and scale the pioneering model through a connected system designed to improve access to care, streamline pathways and provide ongoing support beyond face-to-face appointments.
The technology acts as a “digital front door” to The Nook service, enabling people to access support, book appointments if they prefer that to dropping in, and receive personalised guidance through secure online dashboards.
People using the service can also access tailored wellbeing tools, self-help resources, psychoeducation materials and personalised support plans before and after attending in-person sessions at The Nook.
A key part of the model is ensuring people receive the right level of support based on their individual needs.
The platform also supports SAMH operationally by helping manage appointments, staff capacity and service access across locations, while providing greater visibility into how people engage with services.
The partnership reflects a growing move towards hybrid models of care, where digital technology works alongside community-based services to improve access to mental health support and extend care beyond physical appointments.
With demand for mental health services continuing to rise across Scotland, SAMH believes models such as The Nook can help remove barriers to accessing help while reducing pressure on traditional healthcare pathways.
For more information visit https://www.samh.org.uk/about-us/the-nook
