🌸❤️Our Story🌸❤️

With 37 years of experience as a Mental Health Nurse, I’ve worked across forensic, adult, and older adult services. I now lead the team of Practice Mental Health Nurses working in every GP practice across West Lothian.

Through my role, I began to see a clear gap: women in our community were missing vital support. I also saw first-hand how much strain is placed on GPs, and how limited their time can be. I felt a strong need to create a space where women could come together, share, and support one another.

That vision became Nicola’s—a community group built for women, by women. A place to talk openly, learn from each other, and know you’re not alone.

Nicola’s is also deeply personal. In 2024, we lost a beloved member of our family, Nicola Thyne, who ended her life after suffering for years with chronic pain due to endometriosis. She was bright, beautiful, and deeply loved.

In February of this year, I approached Nicola’s mum and asked if I could set up a women’s group in her name—to honor her memory, raise awareness, and support others. She kindly said yes. I chose to simply call our group 'Nicola's, so that it sounds like your going to visit your friend. Nicola was everyone's friend 🌸❤️

Today, Nicola’s is a growing movement. Based in Bathgate, our group has reached over 800,000 people on Facebook, featured in newspapers, and appeared on STV News.

Founder: June Smillie