Hardies Chartered Surveyors and Shepherd Chartered Surveyors have helped SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) to deliver The Nook in Aberdeen, a new 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 17th June. 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, said: “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.”
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.”
Hardies and Shepherd remain committed to partnering with SAMH to help bring future Nooks to life across Scotland.
To donate to The Nook and help support more people in more communities across Scotland, please visit the SAMH website: www.samh.org.uk.
ENDS
For further information please contact Douglas Smith on tel 01382 220699
Issued on behalf of Hardies by Liquorice Media tel 0141 332 4935 www.liquorice-media.com
Date: 18 Jun26
About SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health)
- SAMH, which changed its longform name to Scottish Action for Mental Health in 2023, has been supporting Scotland’s mental health for more than 100 years.
- The Nook, Scotland’s first national network of free, walk-in mental health hubs, is the largest mental health charity initiative in Scotland’s history.
- SAMH currently operates over 70 services in communities across Scotland, providing mental health social care support, addictions and employment services, among others. Together with national programme work in respectme, suicide prevention, physical activity and sport, these services inform SAMH’s policy and campaign work to influence positive social change.
- Visit www.samh.org.uk or follow @samhscotland on TikTok, SAMHmentalhealth on Facebook and samhscotland on Instagram for more information.