Twilight Walk At 4:00 am, as part of Mental Health Week, our esteemed guides, Henry Memmott and Sam Stringer, led us on a special walk encouraging us to engage all our senses. They emphasized the restorative power of nature in building a healthier mental state and overcoming inner darkness. The walk concluded with a delightful, cooked breakfast at the Finstown Community Hall.
Music fir the Mind’ This family-friendly musical event aimed to combat the stigma surrounding mental health. Featuring a variety of talented local musicians, the event included music, soup, cake, and fun activities, including arts and crafts for younger attendees. Funds raised benefited mental health initiatives for young people of all ages.
Charity 10K Walk ‘Burwick to the Hup’ This community event saw participants of all ages from across Orkney walking 10k in memory of Penny and Jake, who tragically lost their lives to suicide. The event was well-supported by the local community, and participants enjoyed much-needed refreshments, including coffee, tea, and homemade baked goods.
Mind On Prize Draw We successfully organized a prize draw in collaboration with Mind On Charity in Kirkwall, featuring wonderful prizes donated by local businesses. The event raised funds for three different mental health organizations in Orkney.
Musical Coffee Morning This event successfully raised awareness and funds for mental health projects in Orkney. Organizations from Orkney and Scotland showcased their support services, providing attendees with valuable information while they enjoyed tea, cake, and entertainment from local musicians. Guests had the opportunity to interact with representatives from mental health charities, learning about volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved. Additionally, Liam McArthur, our local MP, provided insights into national and local mental health support initiatives.
Pride Fun Day – Stenness: Soma’s Light was invited to attend and support the local LGBTQ+ community. We set up our own stalls and also represented “See Me,” showcasing the valuable resources they provided for the event. Additionally, we offered attendees the opportunity to dress up, express themselves, and take a selfie with our beautiful backdrop.
Agricultural Shows: Soma’s Light attended the Hope, Dounby and County Shows this year in order to raise awareness , listen and provide a safe, quiet place for those who felt overwhelmed at the County Show. The response from the Orcadian public was very positive indeed.
Some responses:
“…Ouiet space was well used today for my little lady! Thank you so much!”
” Great meeting you today, and what a fantastic Charity you have set up. The chill zone was a life saver for us, we nearly didn’t take our autistic son today as we knew it be to busy but finding you guys and using the space was just what he needed and meant he could fully enjoy the event.”
