The Cost of Living Taskforce in Orkney has awarded more than two hundred thousand pounds to community projects that will support households facing the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The funding, totalling two hundred and fourteen thousand pounds, comes from the Scottish Government Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund and will move straight into practical help for families, children, and vulnerable people across Orkney.
This fund was created to support island communities under the greatest pressure and it aims to soften the impact of rising costs while giving people a sense of stability through the winter and beyond.
The Orkney Community Planning Partnership formed the Cost of Living Taskforce to bring together organisations that understand local need and can respond quickly when households begin to struggle.
They invited proposals from across the islands and the result is a series of projects that deliver food support, energy help, debt relief, and community led initiatives shaped by the people who know their communities best.
The Christmas Grants programme will provide sixty pounds per child for families referred by professionals and it carries the simple and powerful message that every child deserves a Christmas.
Holiday provision will ensure that families entitled to free school meals do not face a gap in support when term time ends.
The THAW flexible fund will offer energy vouchers and debt relief to households in fuel poverty which remains one of the most persistent challenges on the islands.
Orkney Money Matters will continue its vital work for people under financial strain by providing debt support and cash first help at the point where families feel the pressure most acutely.
A community card initiative will help older people purchase food locally and support the wider responsibilities many carry in caring for grandchildren and neighbours.
A youth voice fund will empower young people to design projects that address food insecurity and cost of living pressures within their own age group which is an approach rooted in respect and trust.
Together these initiatives offer more than emergency assistance because they give people the ability to cope, to breathe, and to plan without feeling alone in the struggle.
Stephen Brown, Chair of the Cost of Living Taskforce, spoke plainly about the scale of need across the islands.
“This funding is a lifeline for many households in Orkney.
“By working with local organisations, we can ensure that support is targeted and reaches those who need it most, whether through food provision, energy assistance, or community led projects.”
Councillor Heather Woodbridge, Chair of the Orkney Community Planning Partnership and Council Leader, highlighted the strength of joint working.
“The strength of this response lies in collaboration.
“These projects reflect the creativity and commitment of our community partners to tackle poverty and support resilience.
“Every pound will make a tangible difference to families and individuals across Orkney.”
The Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund is distributed directly to the six island authorities and in Orkney it is delivered through a taskforce rooted in cooperation, compassion, and a clear understanding of the challenges facing people today.
The Orkney Community Planning Partnership continues to unite public, private, and third sector organisations around the shared aim of improving wellbeing and strengthening resilience so that support reaches the people who need it with care and dignity.
