Out Of Home (OOH) advertising giant Ocean Outdoor has launched a 12-week campaign across its screens in Glasgow to support the launch of the first of a new national network of walk-in mental health support hubs across Scotland.
Ocean is partnering with SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) to signpost the opening of The Nook which will provide free drop-in mental health support without the need for an appointment, seven days a week.
Created for SAMH by John Doe, the ads are appearing on 11 large format Digital Out of Home (DOOH) screens across Glasgow until the end of the year, providing £300,000 of media space to the charity.
The number of people who have reported a mental health problem has doubled over the past 10 years in Scotland, and more than 50,000 people were admitted to hospital with mental health related problems in 2023/24. The Nook is the charity’s response to Scotland’s mental health crisis.
Opening in Glasgow’s Merchant City this week, on Thursday, 23rd October, the hub will be a place where people can ask once and get help fast. With no need to book an appointment, no need for NHS referrals, and no waiting lists, anyone seeking help can walk through the door whenever they need to.
Hazel McIlwraith, SAMH’s director of fundraising and major appeal, said: “We’re so grateful to Ocean Outdoor for their kind donation of highly valuable billboard space, which is helping us to reach so many people across the city ahead of The Nook opening.
“The Nook opens on Thursday, October 23 and making people aware of the barrier-free support we’ll be offering in the city is crucial. The billboards beautifully complement the work we are doing to raise awareness of The Nook and I’d like to thank them for their generosity.”
Debbie Ferguson, Ocean Outdoor account director, added: “Many of us know someone who is struggling with their mental health. Hopefully this campaign will raise awareness about the availability of immediate support and contribute to SAMH’s wider goals around such an important national matter.”
