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The Dr Julian platform, a digital care tool developed by NHS clinical entrepreneur Dr Julian Nesbitt, is now powering Scotland’s first national network of walk-in mental health hubs as the charity Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) expands its community-based care network. SAMH has deployed this system across its newly launched Nook hubs in Aberdeen and Glasgow, with plans to add further locations next year. This rollout represents a significant shift in how mental health support is delivered across the country.
A walk-in model without appointments
The Nook offers walk-in mental health support for young people, adults and families seven days a week, without the need for an NHS referral, appointment or waiting list. This model aims to improve access to early support while reducing barriers to care. Users can access tailored wellbeing tools, self-help resources, psychoeducation materials and personalised support plans before and after face-to-face appointments, allowing people to continue accessing resources between visits.
Users can log in to view their support history, track progress on their support plans, and access educational materials at their own pace. The system tracks these interactions, giving SAMH staff a clearer picture of how people are engaging with the service between face-to-face visits. This data helps the charity adjust its resources and support plans in real time, ensuring that people receive consistent care regardless of whether they attend a hub in person or use the digital tools.
Supporting service delivery
According to Dr Nesbitt, the platform has already been used to support the delivery of more than one million therapy sessions across NHS, independent and community mental health services. Dr Julian Nesbitt stated that 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.
Ciaran Barbour, head of digital and information systems at SAMH, explained that the organization 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 in using technology. The Dr Julian team worked closely with the charity to adapt the platform around its vision for The Nook, helping them create a service that is adaptable to meet local need but can be rolled out to future sites across the country.
Accessibility and local adaptation
While many health systems are shifting toward hybrid models that combine digital tools with face-to-face services, the physical presence of the hubs remains central to the Nook’s approach. The centres provide a space where people can speak to staff directly, while the digital platform ensures that support does not end when they leave the building. This dual approach is intended to support earlier intervention while reducing pressure on referral-based services.
SAMH says the model supports earlier intervention while reducing pressure on referral-based services. As the charity expands the programme to more locations, the Dr Julian platform will serve as the technical backbone for the network, ensuring that new sites can be set up and run efficiently. To learn more about the technology driving these innovations, see the details on ambient voice technology and metabolism boost.
