YOUNG people across South Ayrshire gathered for the area’s annual Youth Conference where mental health and wellbeing was a main theme.

This was the 10th year the event has run and, as always, proved to be a great success.

The conference held workshops and debate sessions to allow open forums and everyone to have their say on issues that affected them. There were also a range of information stalls that gave advice on health and wellbeing, employability, further education, staying safe and lots more.

One attendee said: "I felt I was really listened to and I wasn’t ignored and that my points will be taken forward", while another stressed the importance of the day's mental health focus, saying: "I liked that we were normalising feelings and talking about emotional wellbeing".

The event was decorated with number 10 balloons to mark a decade of the youth event. One attendee appreciated how open the conference was, saying: "I really enjoyed the conference…I stepped a little out of my comfort zone".

Over 100 young people attended, including pupils from secondary schools, and were welcomed by councillor William Grant who encouraged South Ayrshire's youth to speak up so leaders can help make the area better for them. He said: “It was a really worthwhile experience connecting with the young people and listening to their views.

"We need to know more about the issues that affect them so we can work together to ensure South Ayrshire is an even better place to grow up. I would like to thank everyone involved in the conference.”