Scotland’s first walk-in mental health hubs are being boosted by a GP’s groundbreaking digital platform — ‘a significant step forward in removing barriers to improved support,’ says one of the country’s leading healthcare innovation bodies

The Dr-Julian innovation — successfully developed by Dr Julian Nesbitt with guidance from the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (CEP) — is a secure web platform that enables instant access to Nook services and resources via phone, tablet, or computer.

The Nook network, launched by Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), is now using the Dr-Julian platform to expand the digital reach of its Aberdeen and Glasgow hubs, with further locations expected to open in 2027.

SAMH and the platform’s creators worked closely together to redesign the existing technology, helping to meet the specific needs of The Nook and its users.

Leading innovation body InnoScot Health is part of the CEP coordination group in Scotland and believes the ability to access a digital entry point which moves beyond and enhances the Nook’s face-to-face appointments is a vital one in helping young people, adults, and families seven days a week, offering extra options outside of the NHS and other services with person-centred support.

The platform includes personalised mental health guidance through secure online dashboards, tailored wellbeing tools, self-help resources, psychoeducation materials, and bespoke support plans before and after attending in-person hub sessions.

Head of Innovation Commercialisation at InnoScot Health, Gillian Henderson said: “It’s fantastic to see this CEP-supported digital tool being deployed in Scotland and making a real difference to users of the country’s ever-growing Nook network.

“With this innovative technology already underpinning the delivery of more than one million therapy sessions across NHS, independent, and community mental health services, it has a proven track record of making an impact and represents a significant step forward in overcoming barriers to support across Scotland.

“Equity of access to mental health tools is incredibly important, and expanding the Nook’s digital footprint with meaningful, tailored assistance is a great step forward, in turn underlining what CEP learnings can achieve when inspiration strikes for clinicians with exciting ideas for change.”

InnoScot Health is part of a collaborative group of organisations — alongside The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), NHS Education for Scotland (NES), Techscaler, Scottish Enterprise, and Chief Scientist Office (CSO) — supporting and encouraging Scottish participation in CEP, the biggest entrepreneurial workforce development programme of its kind.

Started in 2016, it is open to both clinical and non-clinical NHS staff — including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, managers, and support staff.

Dr Nesbitt joined the programme in 2017 and called it “an amazing journey”.

He said: “CEP has provided me with a high level of support and provided access to Pit Stops which provide foundational knowledge around the business and commercial world.

“The biggest benefit of the programme for me is the community and networking opportunities. There is always someone willing to help at whichever stage or problem you may have, and it gives you permission to innovate with likeminded people. After every event I leave feeling inspired having made new, important connections.”

Dr Nesbitt said of the Nook network partnership: “We’re proud to support SAMH with technology that supports more accessible, personalised and continuous support across Scotland.”

CEP Innovate Health: The Foundation Series — a free, CPD-accredited webinar programme designed to equip healthcare professionals and healthcare students with the essential skills to begin the journey into healthcare innovation — starts in September.

Applications for the upcoming Cohort 11 of CEP will then open on October 19.