Counsellors on call during classes

Pupils at Carrick and Girvan Academies are to have their own counsellors at school.

The move comes as anxiety and depression increases among teens.

Maybole councillor William Grant said there is a need for mental health services as a report on the new service was presented to politicians.

It was signed off at the South Ayrshire Council Leadership Panel on Tuesday.

Speaking at the meeting, Grant said: “It is vey good that it is coming to Carrick Academy and Girvan Academy. I have nothing but praise for this and totally recommend this report.”

The William Grant Foundation along with other charities has helped provide funding for the £ 150,000 scheme, which will run for three years. If successful the council will step in and pay for it for another five.

The South Ayrshire Youth Forum found there was concern about lack of help for children with mental health issues in rural areas.

The Carrick and Girvan community learning and development team leader looked at how the counselling service could be established in schools.

And the William Grant Foundation agreed to find funding. The counsellors assigned to the schools work for the charity Place2Be.

The Scottish Government plans to spend £ 12 million on counselling for schools but it is unknown how much South Ayrshire will get.