Initiatives
We support the youth to reach their full potential!
By creating opportunities that build confidence, connection, and emotional wellbeing.
Our initiatives are designed to meet real needs within our community—supporting mental health, reducing isolation, and helping young people feel heard, valued, and included.
This includes youth-led projects, school-based mental health programmes, and partnerships that give young people access to support, training, and positive role models. We also run and support community events that encourage openness around mental health, bringing people together in safe and welcoming spaces.
Alongside this, we deliver and facilitate training such as suicide prevention awareness and mental health education, helping to strengthen understanding and response across the wider community.
Everything we do is shaped by compassion, lived experience, and the belief that every young person deserves the chance to feel safe, supported, and hopeful about their future.
TeenShed is a new project developed in collaboration with the Orkney Men’s Shed and Developing the Young Workforce, offering a calm and supportive space where young people can build confidence, develop practical skills, and experience a strong sense of belonging. Set within a multi-generational environment, TeenShed creates meaningful opportunities for connection, learning, and shared purpose, helping young people to grow in confidence while benefiting from the knowledge, experience, and mentorship of others.
ASIST Training
With VAO grant funding, Soma’s Light is partnering with UHI Orkney and Relationships Scotland to deliver free ASIST training over the next two years. Hosted at Orkney College, these courses will run three times annually for up to 20 participants per session, led by qualified trainers. To ensure inclusion, financial assistance for travel and accommodation is available for those traveling from the outer isles. We are dedicated to building a better-supported community and invite anyone interested to contact admin@somaslight.co.uk for further details.
SAMH Colaberation
In partnership with SAMH, Soma’s Light is developing a pupil-led mental health programme inspired by the YPI initiative from S3 students. This initiative empowers young people through peer support, the “5 Ways to Wellbeing,” and practical guidance on accessing help. We aim to amplify pupil voices and foster supportive school environments across secondary education soon.