Funding boost for Orkney project

The lives of people on Orkney who have learning disabilities is set to be transformed after a leading charity today learned it has succeeded in its bid for £47,000 of People’s Millions funding.

ENABLE Scotland, the country’s leading charity for people who have a learning disability, went head-to-head with an Aberdeen-based social enterprise to appeal for votes for funding to set up a friendship network on the islands.

Supporters flooded the dedicated voting line with calls on Monday to pledge their backing for a Friendship Unlimited Network (FUN) project to help tackle feelings of isolation and loneliness experienced by the 100 plus people on the islands who have learning disabilities.

It is ENABLE’s second People’s Millions windfall. Last year, the charity was awarded the same sum to establish a similar project in Helensburgh. The FUN initiative has enjoyed enormous success and has been instrumental in helping members to meet new friends, form lasting relationships and enjoy new social experiences.