Thanks issued to Prom Pop Up supporters

The Council’s Youth Services team are issuing a heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated formal wear to the Prom Pop Up wardrobe this year.

Around 50 ‘new’ items were kindly donated, with 43 young people popping in to see the team over the 2 days the pop up visited Stromness Academy and KGS.

Almost 100 outfits, shoes, and accessories were distributed by Youth Services – part of the Council’s wider Community Learning and Development and Employability Team – over the two days.

Young people who visited the pop up were asked for their comments on the project:

“This was great fun and also a great alternative to finding new, expensive dresses and suits. The staff were wonderful.”

“What an amazing thing to do especially in a cost of living crisis.”

“Very friendly people, great way to have prom on a budget.”

“Amazing, great to have it at school!! Really lovely lasses and sad I’m going to be too old to come next year!”

“Beyond amazing. I can’t believe this service is available to students.”

Lianne Taylor is Area Youth and Family Learning Worker with the Council and organised this year’s pop up with help from colleagues in the wider Community Learning and Development and Employability service.

“I really wish all our supporters could have been there to see the excitement on the faces of the young people who came along to the pop ups.

"There was a great buzz, with many young people giving us a little fashion show as they tried on various outfits and accessories. The gratitude was palpable with every twirl!

“Re-use and sustainability are issues close to many young people’s hearts, so it was doubly pleasing for many to be able to secure a pre-loved outfit.

“We were delighted to see so many benefit from the Pop Up once again, and some great outfits destined for a new lease of life at a Prom soon!”

Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, Gwenda Shearer, said: “On behalf of everyone involved, a huge thank you to everyone who’s supported the Prom Pop Ups with donations of formal wear over the years.

“It's been so heartening to see the care and support for young people demonstrated since the Prom Pop Ups started in 2022. The fantastic response from the public is a reminder of how we can work together as a community to bring sparkle to challenging times.

“Once again, this is Orkney generosity at its best, with a side serve of community building, sustainability and re-use, and our thanks goes out to all who help make it an ongoing success.”