AGM Update – A Year of Connection, Growth and Hope
Over the past year, Soma’s Light has continued to grow in both reach and heart, supporting young people and the wider community with compassion, connection, and care.
We have strengthened our partnerships with organisations such as Cruse Scotland and SAMH, training volunteers in grief and mental health support, and contributing to important initiatives including the Island Games 2025. Closer to home, our “Chill Out Zones” and community events have created safe, welcoming spaces where people can pause, connect, and feel supported.
Young people remain at the centre of everything we do. From shaping our work as part of our steering group to championing mental health through school initiatives, their voices, creativity, and honesty continue to inspire and guide us.
This year also marks the launch of TeenShed, a new project offering a calm, supportive space for young people to build confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging. Alongside this, we have secured funding to deliver ASIST training, helping strengthen our community’s ability to support those in distress.
Behind the scenes, we continue to prioritise safeguarding, strong governance, and safe, supportive practice in all that we do.
We also take a moment to thank two Trustees who stepped down this year for their dedication and contribution to Soma’s Light. At the same time, we are delighted to welcome two new Trustees, bringing fresh energy and perspective to support our next chapter.
As we look ahead, we are excited to develop new ways of supporting our community, including a forthcoming programme to help local groups and organisations promote wellbeing.
Above all, we remain deeply grateful to our volunteers, partners, and supporters — without you, none of this would be possible.
Events so far this year:
* Musical Coffee Morning
Date: Saturday ,7th March 2026 – Time: 10.30-1pm Venue: KGS Hall
Come along for a delightful time with cake, tea and coffee while connecting with fellow mental health charities. Enjoy live music from our talented local musicians and take a chance at our bottle stall and raffle for exciting prizes! We look forward to seeing you there!
* Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Date: Sunday 8th March 2026 – Time: 1.30 pm Venue: Sea Cadet HQ, Scapa Beach
Join us to learn how our charity is doing, discover the exciting events and opportunities and find out how you can get involved. If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love for you to volunteer with us! Let’s shape the future together!
Upcoming Events
* Orkney Blues Cruise and Bike Show with live music – Donations to benefit Soma’s Light and Poppy Scotland
Date: Sunday 26th April 2026 – Venue: starting from St Margaret’s Hope ( 10.30 gathering with refreshments) cruising to Stromness Ferry Road 1-4pm Fee: £10 entry to join the Bikers – food tea/ coffee included in entry fee
Rev up your engines and bring the family along to the Orkney Blues Cruise and Bike Show on Sunday 26th April. Come meet the bikers and discover their passion at both locations as the ride travels from St Margaret’s Hope to Stromness, finishing with live music and a food van at Stromness Ferry Road from 1–4pm— a great day out for all the family.
* ‘Sunrise Walk’ as part of the Orkney Nature Festival (free event but registration required)
Date: Sunday 18th May 2026 – Time: 3.30-5.30 am meeting at Ring of Brodgar car park
Let us drag you out from your bed for an early morning guided 2 km walk ( Guide: Sam Stringer ) from Darkness to Light, where we focus on sights and sounds of our natural environment to help highlight the positive effects of being outside on our mental health. Join us again for a cooked breakfast afterwards to continue our conversations and re-energise you for the day ahead.
