St Colm’s petition prompts public outpouring of support

An online petition in support of keeping St Colm’s Day Centre in Kirkwall open has received almost 1000 supporters since being launched over the weekend.

The centre provides day services to adults with learning and physical disabilities.

The petition went online after being organised by family members of attenders at St Colm’s, following fears for the future of the centre, as reported in The Orcadian last week.

A paper petition is also to be circulated at various locations in Orkney this week, explained Lydia Harvey, whose daughter attends the centre.

Those behind the petition say that they have been amazed by the amount of public support for the centre, which they say, shows the strength of feeling throughout the community towards the facility, and how valuable an asset it is to attenders.

As well as adding their names to the petition, supporters have also left messages praising the good work that goes on at the centre, and how it benefits so many people from all over  Orkney.

Mrs Harvey said that folk who use the services at St Colm’s are “one big happy family” and the message to Orkney Health and Care, which is to launch a consultation on service provision is: “Leave us where we are, and do not change a thing.”

The petition can be found online at www.change.org/p/scott-hunter-stop-the-closure-of-st-colm-s-day-centre

An update on the issue will feature in The Orcadian, out on Thursday.