SCHOOLS will become hubs for benefits support, mental health help and housing aid in a pilot scheme next week.

The “innovative” project will see primary and secondary schools in Ayr turned into drop-in hubs to help local people access services.

Adults who do not have children enrolled at the schools will be encouraged to take part as South Ayrshire Council – led by an SNP-Labour-Independent partnership – tries to overcome problems in reaching social work, training and other professionals.

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The Our People, Our Place plan will rollout across the region if successful, and runs as councillors prepare to set a budget that will bridge a £7 million funding gap this year.

A public consultation on proposed changes provoked almost 2800 responses, with around 80 per cent opposing a planned reduction in a variety of health and social care budgets and more than 75 per cent urging against a reduction in teachers and in-school support staff.

The savings proposals were drawn up in anticipation of a financial shortfall £10m higher than current numbers. Plans to close Dolphin House outdoor education centre at Culzean Country Park have been dropped.

Depute council leader Brian McGinley said: “This was undoubtedly one of the most controversial proposals put forward by officers and this was reflected in the feedback, which stressed the importance of these programmes and the difference they make to our young people.

“Given our commitment to supporting our people and places, it would not have made any sense to progress this savings proposal in light of the response received, and I’m pleased we could confirm this outcome so quickly for our staff, young people and families.”

On the advice hubs, council leader Douglas Campbell said: “By putting services right at the heart of the community, we want to encourage people who may be less inclined to engage with support services to take advantage of what’s on offer and reap the benefits of accessing that support.

“With growing demand and increasing waiting times, I am particularly pleased that our colleagues within the NHS Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service will be available for young people or their parents or carers.”