Local Third Sector Organisations receive OIC funding to support individuals struggling with the cost of living

Orkney Islands Council has awarded Voluntary Action Orkney funding to develop a new partnership project aimed at improving access to advice and cash-based support for anybody worrying about money in Orkney.

Orkney Money Matters will increase the provision of financial advice available locally, strengthen partnership working and coordinate a campaign to improve awareness of available support.

The project has been designed by the local ‘Advice and Cash First Group’ whose membership includes Orkney Citizens Advice Bureau, Orkney Foodbank and NHS Orkney’s Public Health team.

The group was formed in response to the growing number of residents who are requiring financial support, and the low uptake of local entitlements such as free school meals.

Orkney Money Matters will fund five additional roles within Orkney Citizens Advice Bureau, THAW Orkney and Orkney Blide Trust, as well as providing £100,000 worth of energy vouchers, which will be distributed by THAW Orkney.

Recruitment for these roles will begin shortly and it is hoped that the project will be operational by Spring 2023. 

The work is being supported by a significant funding contribution from the Council, using part of its allocation of the Scottish Government’s Local Covid Economic Recovery (LACER) fund.

Partners will work together to develop a no-wrong-door approach to financial support in Orkney so that regardless of which services individuals contact first, they will be offered the same information and support. This will include assistance for everybody who is eligible to apply to OIC’s Scottish Welfare Fund’s ‘Crisis Grants’, which provide cash grants for those in crisis, including those unable to afford food and fuel.

Morven Brooks is Chief Executive of Voluntary Action Orkney. She said: ‘Rising numbers of households in Orkney are struggling to afford the costs of living and third sector organisations have seen a surge in demand for their services in recent months. This investment from Orkney Islands Council will significantly increase the capacity of these organisations to provide support and enable the close partnership working we need to effectively support our communities’.

Council Leader James Stockan said: “In Orkney, we have a great tradition of the public sector working hand in hand with the third sector to tackle some of the challenges we face as a community.

“The Orkney Money Matters project is a great example of  us working together as we look to support local families and householders through challenging financial circumstances  - providing much needed  advice, support and listening ears.

“The new jobs being created through the scheme will provide that extra resource and capacity that will be required – and I would urge anyone with an interest in supporting those in need to keep an eye out for the roles being advertised.”

Last month the Council agreed two financial support schems for local households to help them meet the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis. A third scheme will assist Third Sector organisations in the county struggling with rising costs.

Further details will be released in due course.

Anybody who is worried about money can access free and confidential advice from Orkney Citizens Advice Bureau by calling 01856 875266 or emailing bureau@orkneycab.casonline.org.uk.

Further information is also available at www.orkney.gov.uk/helpinghand

For enquiries or interview requests please contact Harry Johnson, Orkney Money Matters Project Development Lead: harry@community-consulting.co.uk