Residents suffering from mental health issues are being encouraged to get support as a new service holds its launch night.

Minds Over Matter Ayrshire, set up by 20-year-old resident Caitlyn Nutt, will hold a drop in event at Venturayr, New Road from 7pm-9pm this Wednesday, March 27, for what is hoped to be a weekly service.

Caitlyn, who herself suffers from anxiety and depression, is encouraging anyone affected by poor mental health to come along and seek support.

This comes after the tragic news last week of two Ayrshire teenagers – Callum Dawson of Ayr and Codey Brown of Kilmarnock – taking their own lives.

Caitlyn Nutt said: “The stigma surrounding mental health is unbelievable, whereas there is plenty of support for physical illnesses, just not enough support for mental health. The service is desperately needed to allow people to speak out and hopefully feel less intimidated, as I myself suffer so they’ll know someone knows how they feel.

“The lack of support comes from the pressure the NHS is under and the waiting times for counselling is astonishing, I myself have been on the waiting list for months which is daunting for someone who has asked for help. People are afraid to speak out as they don’t believe anyone cares and don’t believe they will receive help due to the waiting lists when someone is in desperate need.

“Things do get better, I know from personal experience, nothing someone is experiencing can’t be solved, suicide is not the way out and there are so many ways to help, its a permanent solution to temporary problems.

“I can only encourage people to come to a safe environment where they wont be forced to speak but there are people who care about them and can help. The lows are low but the highs can be so much better.

“People need to know they wont be judged and there are so many people in the same position or who know how they feel who can help them. Nothing is too much and I would encourage anyone who is feeling even the smallest bit not like themselves to get the help they deserve and need, free from judgement, confidentially and free.”