Rural Connections supports people to cycle, walk and wheel – for everyday journeys, leisure, and adventure. We offer:
Visit the Cycling UK website.
Why not get involved in a local group, activity or perhaps you would like to volunteer. Voluntary Action Orkney have put together a searchable directory that has a comprehensive list of community and voluntary groups active in Orkney. Other organisations and services that may be of interest to you are also included.
Visit the Orkney Community Directory to find out more.
Orkney Youth Café is a drop-in service funded by various grants and charities. Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday for young people aged 12-24, in age-appropriate groups, to socialise with friends and enjoy a wide variety of activities.
We sell low priced food and drinks, served by our young kitchen staff, and have free WIFI available throughout the Café.
Regular activities include cooking, crafts, pool, xBox, Wii, Arcade Table, board games and various sports in the Games Hall. We also take part in projects within the Café and the Community; these have previously included ‘Wee Sleep Out’, ‘Swan Boat Trip’ , Mental Health Awareness, Consent, Substance Misuse, and anything relevant to the young people attending.
We offer a signposting service to various organisations that provide information and support for young people. Some young people also obtain qualifications and accreditation, while attending the café, for their involvement in projects and learning at the Youth Café.
Visit the Orkney Youth Café’s Facebook page.
Becoming an Army Cadet has heaps of benefits. The most obvious being that you get to take part in loads of exciting and challenging activities such as fieldcraft, adventure training, first aid, music, sports and shooting, to name but a few.
When you join as a cadet you will make lots of new friends and get the opportunity to go on annual camp where you will meet cadets from other detachments in your county. You may even get to go on expeditions to amazing places in the UK and sometimes even abroad.
For more information visit 1st Battalion The Highlanders Army Cadets
We are one of the biggest Christian Youth Organisations in the UK & Republic of Ireland.
At 1st Kirkwall Company we have faith in young people and provide opportunities for children and young people to learn, grow and discover in a safe, fun and caring environment which is rooted in the Christian faith.
There’s something for every young person whether it’s camping or kayaking, first aid or five a side, music or crafts. Members develop skills, build confidence, make friends, take responsibility and are encouraged to make a real difference in their communities – sharing the values that make us who we are.
Our work with children and young people is made possible thanks to our volunteer leaders who give of their time so generously.
Find out more about Our Vision, Mission and Values. You can also visit the website at www.boys-brigade.org.uk or visit Facebook to see the 1st Kirkwall Company Boys’ Brigade.
You can also contact sggray@hotmail.co.uk or bookings.kirkwallbbhall@outlook.com
Orkney currently has 3 Scout Groups. 2nd Orkney are based in Kirkwall, 11th Orkney is in the West Mainland and 5th Orkney (South Ronaldsay and Burray) Group.
The John Rae Explorer Unit meets across Orkney covering Explorers of all ages across the District.
You can find out more at www.facebook.com/orkneyscouts or www.twitter.com/orkneyscouts
For more information on Scouting in general go to www.scouts.org.uk
For more information on Scouting in Orkney or when Groups meet contact dcorkneyisles@gmail.com
They aim to give young people an experience that will help them grow into the person they want to be in a safe and friendly environment. Through various activities and adventures, you can learn teamwork, respect, loyalty, self-confidence, commitment, self-discipline, honesty and how to be the best version of ourselves.
For more information contact orkneyscc@aol.com or visit www.sea-cadets.org/orkney
The Orkney Youth Forum is a group created to give Orkney’s young people a platform to share their voices together. They meet regularly throughout the year and attend other meetings such as with the local NHS, Elected Members and Orkney Health and Care.
You can find out how to get involved on the Orkney Youth Forum website, or take a look at what they are up to at the moment by checking out their social media accounts or newsletter.
This is a public group setup for people to advertise children’s activities, groups, clubs and classes going on in Orkney. You can find the group on Facebook.
Orkney has three clubs, Harray, Sandwick and East Mainland. Together they have over 100 members and are part of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) most northerly district. YFC is Scotland’s largest rural youth organisation providing a social network full of opportunities from competitions and events to training and travel. A chance to grow your skills across the arts, rural and agri, personal development and sport. If you are interested in joining in with Young Farmers or have any questions please contact odayfc@hotmail.com.
You can also find out more on the Orkney Young Farmers Facebook page.
The Young Islanders Network is a community which joins young people together from all the islands, sharing their voices, views and experiences. Join in at yin.scot.
During normal office hours Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm Contact Orkney Health and Care Children and Families Services on 01856 873535 extension 3342 or if the person is an adult call 01856 873535 and ask for Adult Social Work
This will take you to The Balfour Hospital switchboard then you ask for the Emergency Social Worker.
