A host of Orkney organisations who can offer support and advice came together on Hoy on Thursday 24th May as part of a health and wellbeing event: Health and WellBeing Initiative for Hoy

Head Teacher of North Walls Community School, Shirley Stuart, her staff and pupils hosted the event where members of the public could find out about services provided in Orkney. The event was also supported by Community Learning and Development (CLD) and the Hoy Development Trust.

Hoy Development Trust

Findlay MacLeod from Skills Development Scotland described how his service can support people and the job satisfaction he gets outs of helping “people get to where they want to be.”

Y People

The Papdale Halls of Residence- team: Clair Jacobsen, Joanna Mood and Lana Linklater explained how they work in partnership with KGS and the various Island schools throughout Orkney both the Primary Schools and the Junior Highs, helping with the children facing transition which takes them away from home to stay in the Papdale Halls of Residence allowing them to continue with their Secondary studies. It offers a safe environment in which the staff can look after up to 70 pupils at one time.

Connect

NHS Orkney King Street Dental Practice Team: Liz Quiney and  Clair Mitchell were there to promote healthy teeth and good oral practice highlighting the amount of sugar contained in certain food produce eg vanilla ice cream contains 21g of sugar per 100g of ice cream. Jam=53.3g per 100g, Instant Custard Mix is 50.2g per 100g.

Their Dental Services include a National Dental Inspection Programme which visits Primary Schools on a yearly basis titled Child Smile. They were offering advice on healthy teeth and gums encouraging people to take a new toothbrush with a wee sand timer helping you to brush your teeth for the required time twice daily.

Relationships Scotland

Louise Reed was there on behalf of NHS Orkney Health visitors. Louise covers Hoy Graemsay, Flotta and Stromness and visits parents to be from around 32 weeks until around 11 days after the baby’s birth. They follow the Health Visiting Pathway visiting children as needed at home until they are in Primary School at approximately 5 years.

Home Start Orkney

Support was available for people who wished to quit smoking. Richard Harrison explained that the organisation was there to help people in ‘the way that suits them best’. 

Adult Befriending

Orkney Library was present to talk to people about the wide range of services that they could provide for residents on Hoy. As well as the mobile library there were a whole range of online resources to access. The 3D printer was on show with some of the incredible items it was possible to make with it.

Blide Trust

The organisations present will be leaving leaflets and information with the Hoy Development Trust team so that people who were unable to get to the event can still access the information.

Like all island events the hospitality shown by the school was wonderful. A lunch was provided with home made soups, rolls, salads, a selection of fillings and very tasty fruit skewers. These were made by Craig Morris and Joseph Thomson.

Craig Morris and Joseph Thomson

Apologies if we have missed anyone out but the organisation’s represented were: Thaw. Orkney library. Y People. Smoking Matters. Homestart. Orkney Care and Repair. Relationships Scotland. Skills Development Scotland. NHS Orkney King St Dental and Health Visitor. CAP Befriending Services. Connect. Orkney Care at Home. Art Cafe. Active Islands. The Island of Hoy Development Trust. Papdale Halls of Residence.Marie Curie Nurses. Arthritis Care. Adult Social Work Services Orkney- Health and Care and Learning Disability Employment Support Services

The event highlighted the various support groups there are in Orkney with caring staff and volunteers all willing to help you when you need it. Many thanks to Shirley Stuart, staff and pupils of North Wall Community School for organising it.

Reporters: Helen Armet and Fiona Grahame