Online Community Halls event hailed a success

The first Orkney Community Halls Training Event to be held online due to the ongoing pandemic restrictions has been hailed a success.

The event, which was organised by the Orkney Islands Council’s Community Learning Development (CLD) Team in partnership with Voluntary Action Orkney, gives volunteers running community halls the chance to get together to celebrate successes, discuss challenges and share solutions.

CLD Manager Kerry Spence said despite the difficulties faced this year, the feedback from hall representatives was positive.

“Even these difficult times did not stop our hall committee representatives coming together for the Annual Halls Event. This year due to the COVID-19 pandemic the training and information sharing day was moved online and saw 19 volunteers representing ten halls from across Orkney join virtually on the TEAMS platform last month for the 19th Annual Meeting of the Community Associations.

“There were some good news stories - for example, we were told that prior to lockdown a number of halls had run successful fundraisers and community events; some have received essential funding to help during lockdown; many hall committees have worked in partnership with other organisations, including Community Councils and Development Trusts, to deliver services to the community during lockdown and some premises were used for essential services such a food distribution or ambulance training.”

Some concerns were also raised during the event – lost income during the pandemic; missed activities and functions; despite some hall venues reopening, very few people are using the facilities at this time and a heavy reliance on volunteers amidst COVID-19 requirements and ever-changing regulations.

The event allows hall committees to decide on the programme each year depending on their needs and issues. This year’s event included a training element as well as the information sharing part of the day, with Orkney College delivering the Safe Sale and Service of Alcohol course online.

There was also a session on the roles, responsibilities and requirements facing halls as they start to think about opening up in line with COVID-19 restrictions. Guidance and information on legal structures also outlined the benefits of halls becoming Scottish Incorporated Charitable Organisations (SCIO’s).

Kerry Spence added: “We would like to offer a big thank you to everyone who attends these events making them such a success. Although we were not able to get together face-to-face, we were delighted to see representatives attending from so many communities sharing good practice, learning from each other and building useful contacts. As always, we will take on board all your feedback for planning future halls events.”