Cost of Living Taskforce Awards Funding to Vital Community Projects

The Orkney Community Planning Partnership (OCPP) is pleased to announce that its Cost-of-Living Task Force has recently awarded £214,000 of funding from the Scottish Government's Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund towards a range of projects that will help individuals and families across Orkney who are struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund is a Scottish Government initiative aimed at supporting island communities facing the cost-of-living crisis.

The funding will provide immediate support to households most affected, with a strong focus on tackling child poverty and supporting vulnerable groups.

The Cost-of-Living Task Force – formed through the Orkney Community Planning Partnership - invited proposals from local organisations, resulting in a diverse range of projects designed to make a real difference in communities.

Examples of funded projects include:

·       Christmas Grants – “Every Child Deserves a Christmas” (£22,500): Cash-first support of £60 per child for families referred by professionals, helping to alleviate festive poverty.

·       Holiday Provision of Free School Meals (£25,000): Ensuring families with children entitled to free school meals receive support during school holidays.

·       THAW Flexible Fund (£25,000): Providing energy vouchers and debt relief for households in fuel poverty.

·       Orkney Money Matters (£16,500): Continuing vital debt support and cash-first assistance for financially insecure households.

·       Community Card (£15,000): Helping older people purchase food locally, supporting nutrition and childcare responsibilities.

·       Youth Voice Fund (£3,000): Empowering young people to design and lead projects addressing food insecurity and cost of living challenges.

These initiatives will deliver practical benefits such as access to nutritious meals, energy support, debt relief, and opportunities for young people and families to thrive despite financial pressures.

Stephen Brown, Chair of the Cost of Living Task Force, said: “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, added: “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 Island Cost Crisis Emergency Fund is allocated directly to the six island local authorities to support the needs of their communities. In Orkney the fund is disbursed through the Cost-of-Living Taskforce.

The Orkney Community Planning Partnership brings together public, private, and third-sector organisations to improve the wellbeing of people in Orkney. By working collaboratively, the partnership addresses key priorities such as health, and economic resilience, ensuring that resources are used effectively to benefit the whole community.