Mental Health Awareness Week
Open House
Aberdeen Methodist Church
Open House is a project which aims to create community by providing a welcoming, inclusive and accessible space for all to attend in the heart of Aberdeen’s City Centre.
Hosted by Aberdeen Methodist Church on Crown Terrace, the programme welcomes attendees every weekday between 2pm and 4pm. They offer refreshments, hot drinks, purposeful activities and, most importantly, a safe and inviting space for anyone who would like to join.
In addition to bringing in people to run workshops and activities, Open House encourage those who attend to take a lead in planning and leading workshops relating to their interests. This contributes towards building individual confidence and fostering involvement within a flourishing community.
Open House stimulates necessary conversation amongst a variety of individuals where the main aim is to prevent and address problems associated with poor mental health and loneliness.
Those who attend may have experienced recent challenges with substances or mental health, and a simple chat with someone can make a positive impact on their lives.
Stories can be shared within a calm, warm environment and people can take their mind off any worries for a couple of hours. Everyone is welcome to Open House where there is always someone to talk to.
Open House is supported by the Scottish Government Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund, distributed in Aberdeen by ACVO.
Stories from
Open House
Open House provides a safe space for people to meet and for a community in the centre of Aberdeen to flourish.
For Mental Health Awareness Week, those who attend the sessions, as well as project leader Rev James Garnett, share their feelings about why Open House is so important for Aberdeen City Centre.
Rev James Garnett is the Minister at Aberdeen Methodist Church. He was inspired to establish Open House as he is passionate about tackling social isolation within the city and surrounding communities through the process of bringing people together.
As well seeing the sessions as benefit for those who attend, Rev Garnett views Open House as an opportunity for him to learn and connect with others through listening to their stories.
Rev James Garnett’s Story
Listen to Rev Garnett’s story
Rev James Garnett’s Story
Rev James Garnett is the minister at Aberdeen Methodist Church. He was inspired to establish Open House as he is passionate about tackling social isolation within the city and surrounding communities through the process of bringing people together.
As well seeing the sessions as benefit for those who attend, Rev Garnett views Open House as an opportunity for him to learn and connect with others through listening to their stories.
Listen to Rev Garnett’s story
Tom’s Story
Listen to Tom’s story
Tom likes to attend the Open House regularly to turn his focus away from alcohol. He believes that having a community with shared experience can help support those experiencing drug, alcohol and mental health issues as well as those who feel socially isolated.
He says that Open House allows people to switch off from any worries, even if it’s just a quick coffee and chat.
Listen to Tom’s story
Chris has been attending Open House since it was first established.
He likes the sociable aspect of the community and enjoys meeting all kinds of different people who attend and getting together for a chat. Chris is very grateful for this service and finds it helps with loneliness.
Chris’ Story
Listen to Chris’ story
Chris’ Story
Chris has been attending Open House since it was first established.
He likes the sociable aspect of the community and enjoys meeting all kinds of different people who attend and getting together for. achat. Chris is very grateful for this service and finds it helps with loneliness.
Listen to Chris’ story
Henry’s Story
Listen to Henry’s story
Henry volunteers with Open House with an aim of connecting with those who attend and enjoys assisting with any tech questions that come up. He believes that there is a huge issue with loneliness, especially since the pandemic, and finds the Open House a vital service to tackle these feelings.
In future, he would like to see more people coming along to the Open House to build a larger community where everyone can socialise and help each other feel less lonely.
Listen to Henry’s story
Want to find out more?
Open House operates every weekday from 2pm – 4pm at Aberdeen Methodist Church, situated on Crown Terrace in the city centre. All are welcome to drop in and attend.
More information about the project and the church can be found at
