Residents are asked to help shape plans to site a secure unit for young people with severe mental health problems in Irvine.

As reported last year, Irvine looks set to host Scotland’s only secure unit for adolescents.

Plans to have the facility within Ayrshire Central Hospital near the Woodland View facility are still in the early stages.

Now members of the public are being asked to get involved at the earliest stage to help develop the plans for the new National Secure Adolescent Inpatient Service (NSAIS).

NHS Ayrshire & Arran and North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership say they need interested members of the public to help by joining its Public Reference Group.

Members of this group will be asked to share information within their local community, assist in the development process; and report to the Project Board.

Stephen Brown, the Director of North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “The Irvine site provides a unique opportunity as the campus ensures a wide range of support options including specialist CAMHs team, paediatric specialist services and general health support.

“In addition, the award-winning development of Woodland View community mental health hospital ensures a blend of specialist in-patient resources and skilled staffing, making the Irvine development and investment an excellent choice for ensuring this highly vulnerable and unique population receives the highest level of support and care.”

He added: “A mixture of ambition, focus and determination has ensured this facility will be successful and nationally leading.”

If you are interested in finding out more about joining the group you can visit to an information event on Monday, August 6 at 6pm at Fullarton Connexions, Church Street, Irvine, KA12 8PE.

To book your place, please contact Carol Craig by email: Carol.Craig@aapct.scot.nhs.uk or by telephone on 01563 826152.