A VITAL mental health service in East Ayrshire has been saved after alternative funding was found.

The Morven Centre, also known as Morven Day Services, saw its funding cut following a review by the East Ayrshire health and social care partnership (EAHSCP).

The centre offers support to adults aged 18 and over who have mental health difficulties and live in the authority.

The service is based in several locations in East Ayrshire and its flexible support can help with emotional distress and mood disorders. 

A petition set up by service user Cheryl Scott was signed by hundreds of people in just a few days, with supporters calling the decision "devastating".

And while the integrated joint board (IJB) which oversees the work of the HSCP has declined to reverse the decision, CrossReach, which runs the service, has confirmed that other funding has now been found.

A spokesperson said: "CrossReach is delighted to confirm that Morven will continue to deliver a full service in East Ayrshire.

"We have secured an alternative source of funding for the immediate future.

"We are very grateful for the support that the community has shown for Morven and we look forward to continuing to serve people in East Ayrshire."