There a lots great clubs and groups that you can join to stay active and healthy, meet new people, or learn a new skill or hobby. Here are just some of the opportunities available locally.
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
Recently founded support group for women in Orkney to spread awareness and provide advice on Endometriosis, as well as, menstrual health. Anyone welcome.
Find out more on the Orkney Endometriosis Support Instagram.
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
Located in Pierowall Village acts as a drop in Youth Centre for youth from Secondary 1 up to 18 years of age. The Hofn is a social space for Westray’s young people and has Wi-Fi, a pool/ice hockey table, games consoles, a projector and screen as well as a kitchen area and quiet space.
For more information visit www.westraydevelopmenttrust.co.uk, contact admin@westraydevelopmenttrust.co.uk or call 01857677858.
This youth group is open to anyone of secondary school age and older teenagers whether they’re at school or not. The group’s aims are “to provide a safe and supportive environment for learning, fellowship and caring amongst young people”. Established over thirty years ago, the group meets fortnightly during term times on Friday nights from 7.30 – 10pm, with most meetings being in Westray Parish Kirk but sometimes elsewhere. We currently have 38 members, including five from Papay who regularly travel over by boat (weather permitting!)
The group is activity based and we often use material from such as Amnesty International, Christian Aid, Fairtrade Foundation etc. to encourage discussion on a range of topics. Holocaust Memorial Day is marked every January and challenging prejudice is high on our agenda. Art and craft activities and film nights also feature and eating is a regular feature!
We are partnered with a Youth Group in Njeresa, Malawi and have strong links with a partner Youth Group in Lambeth, Central London, and have enjoyed several visits to and from our London friends over the years. We are also active in supporting the work of the Gogo Olive charity and are signed up to the Westray Fairtrade Charter.
For more information contact Iain at idmacdonald@btinternet.com or call 677357.
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 agricultural, 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 are a network of groups working in our local communities, and together, to get the voices of young islanders heard in Government and beyond.
Anyone aged 5-25 who is living on (or is temporarily living away from) any of the Scottish Islands are invited to join the YIN. There are regular Zoom meetings and opportunities to meet face to face where you can connect with other Young Islanders.
The aim of the Network is to build on the success of the Young Islanders Challenge and ensure that the voices of young islanders are heard.In 2021 Young islanders took part in the pilot project: The Young Islanders Challenge.
Working in partnership with the Scottish Government and the National Islands Plan, Youth Scotland’s Young Islanders Challenge was created to represent the views and opinions of young people living and growing up in Scotland’s island communities. This laid the foundations for the Young Islanders Network.
Learn more about the Young Islanders Network at: https://yin.scot/ or visit the Young Islanders Network Facebook page.
If you would like to learn how to join, click here.
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.
