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Two free online gambling awareness events are to be held for professionals, support groups and criminal justice practitioners in Orkney looking to learn more about gambling related harm.

The Orkney Community Justice Partnership, in conjunction with the RCA Trust, which provides community-based alcohol and gambling related prevention and treatment services in Scotland, recently hosted two free one-hour online gambling awareness events to professionals across the north region.

Nel Govender is “delighted” to be moving to Orkney and starting work in a key role with Orkney Health and Care following an appeal for help to source suitable accommodation.

The public ask for private landlords to come forward with offers of accommodation proved to be very successful with six new members of staff now matched with providers.

A second tranche of the Third Sector Cost of Living Crisis Fund goes live today (Thursday 13^th April 2023)

The fund is administered by Voluntary Action Orkney (VAO) and funded via the Council through their allocation from the Scottish Government’s Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund.

Third Sector organisations in Orkney have been reporting difficulties with covering their rising operational costs. While they are facing these increasing financial pressures, these organisations are also seeing more people coming to them for support.

Statement on behalf of the Orkney Partnership

The services inspected are provided by NHS Orkney, Orkney Islands Council, Police Scotland and third sector agencies.

Orkney Island Council and Crown Estate Scotland have today (11 April) unveiled further details of a ground-breaking project aimed at giving Orkney islanders greater say in decisions about the use of the seabed around them.

The arrangement involves both organisations working closely to evaluate new applications for agreements on the seabed surrounding Orkney, ensuring key decisions are informed by the priorities of those who live and work nearby.

A number of ex-Council vehicles and plant are offered for sale this month.

Vehicles include a Mercedes Econic RCV SV59 ZPK, Iveco Eurotrakker Gritter SV05FGE, Iveco Trakker Gritter – ST12 OTK, Bomag Roller – GN06 FBO, Iveco EuroTrakker SY53 EWY, Mercedes Axor Gritter AY06EJE and a Mercedes Axor Gritter WR11 NXU.

Council Convener Graham Bevan will cut the ribbon to officially open the Papdale East Community Park in Kirkwall on Friday 21 April.

The community are invited along to celebrate the occasion from 12noon until 4.30pm with speeches, guided walks, a treasure hunt and light refreshments available.

An open day is being held at Eday London Airport on Wednesday 19 April for island residents to get a behind-the-scenes insight into the role of an airfield attendant.

The Council is looking to recruit relief staff to bolster the core airfield team.

You could take off with a new career while also playing an important community role and reducing the likelihood of flight cancellations due to a lack of available staff.

A team of S3 students from Stromness Academy has secured a grant of £3,000 for Orkney Rape & Sexual Assault Service (ORSAS) through the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI).

The group – made up of Alida, Erin, Eden, Sofia and Keryn – compiled a presentation that detailed information about how rape and sexual violence against women concerns them and how ORSAS is working to both prevent these offences and support those who have been affected in Orkney.

Kinship carers in Orkney are being invited to get together for a “cuppa and chat” at the Storehouse Restaurant, Kirkwall, on Tuesday 18 April from 1-3pm.

The “Real Talk” informal gathering is a chance for kinship carers - also known as family and friends’ carers – to connect in a safe, peer led environment, to offer support and friendship, and to share their experiences.