“You shall go to the ball!”

Would you like to feel like a real-life Cinderella fairy godmother?

The Council’s Community Learning and Development Team are hoping to wave a magic wand and make school prom night a reality for everyone in Orkney and they are appealing for your help.

Do you have a suitable dress, suit, shirt, tie, shoes and accessories that you would be willing to donate to ensure everyone can go to the ball and not miss out – and potentially save any pre-loved clothes from becoming a waste product, doing your bit for the environment!

CLD Team Leader – Youth Services, Cheryl Rafferty, said: “Every young person should be able to go to their school prom – it’s become like a rite of passage - but it can also be very expensive, and we are conscious that some families are already facing very tight budgets, especially given the increasing cost of living.

“We are aware that some young people may have to miss out as a result, and we simply don’t want that to happen. So, we are appealing for donations of suitable outfits for young people. We ask that all donations are in pristine condition as that’s only fair to those who will benefit.

“It’s been a really tough time for all our young folk over the past few years and everyone who wants to go to the prom should be able to go in style.”

Donations should be dropped off at the Youth Café in Kirkwall, down St Magnus Lane (opposite the Cathedral) between 10am-4pm on Wednesday 27 April, Monday 2 May from 2pm-8pm, and Thursday 5 May, 10am-4pm.

Cheryl added: “We will ensure we are very discreet and confidential 45-minute pre-booked appointment slots will be made available to anyone who can benefit and wishes to attend their prom to come along and choose an outfit. Once we have a suitable selection of outfits, we will advise young people how to go about making an appointment. We will share all necessary information with schools and on social media to try and ensure no-one misses out.

“You can come by yourself, with a parent or carer or book in with a group of up to three friends.”

Save a space on any of these dates as slots will be available on Thursday 12, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May within the Kirkwall Community Centre Supper Room (upstairs in the Town Hall). Youth workers will be on hand to help choose your perfect outfit. We will share how to book once that is confirmed.