WAO Autumn Newsletter 2024

Hello and welcome to Women’s aid Orkney’s Autumn Newsletter.

SERVICE USER’S FEEDBACK & ACHIEVEMENTS

• CYP managing anxiety to start new employment opportunities.
• Moving into own permanent accommodation, creating a safe family home for herself and her child.  
•  ‘It’s important to take time for yourself’ – 8 Year old CYP after pamper session.
• Taking steps to finally be free from her abuser and the community around him.  
• ‘no- one is listening to me but you are, thank you’ – 12 year old CYP.
• Successful transitions to KGS & Stromness Academy.
• Finally being in a space where she can move on from the service as she is now in a safe, good place and no longer needs support.
• Young People acknowledging unhealthy relationships & able to seek help for themselves & peers.
•  ‘You do such important work’ -Freshers Fair Attendee
•  ‘Own my life has been good to help me learn about abuse & helped me meet people who understand what I’ve been through.’
• Settling into sessions and feeling more comfortable to engage in groups and 1-1 sessions.  
•  Starting a new volunteer placement after years of not being able to work/volunteer.

Children and Young People’s Workshops

The children and Young People undertook an Orkney Matters workshop, where their views were gathered using verbal discussions and collage artwork. We discussed what was important to us, living in Orkney as Orkney Islands Council wanted the views of all ages. Picture shows each attendees important place and the words that stood out to them about their place and was important to them.

A note from a service user who decided to move away from Orkney:

Allow me to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible support thou hast graciously bestowed upon me in a time when the shadows of despair threatened my spirit, thy kindness and dedication shone forth as a guiding light, illuminating the path to newfound hope.

Once, there was a maiden, lost in the labyrinth of her fears and uncertainties. Yes, amidst the darkest nights, there appeared a gentle and wise guide, a paragon of compassion and strength. This guide, none other than thyself, extended a hand of friendship, leading the maiden from her tribulations into the embrace of the hope of serenity.

With thy every word, a spark of courage was kindled in my heart, and with thy every deed, my resolve was fortified. Thy presence has been akin to a steadfast guardian, a source of solace and inspiration.

It is my sincerest desire that our connection may endure, that I might continue to benefit from thy counsel and friendship. For thy guidance is of immense value to me.

With heartfelt appreciation and warmest regards.

Keep your light shining.

Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (sarcs)

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted yet are unsure or unready to report to the police, Orkney has several specialist services that offers you care for your health and well-being.

Sexual Assault Response Coordination Services (SARCS)

Telephone: 0800 148 88 88

SARCS is a dedicated NHS Scotland service which offers healthcare and support within 7 days after a rape or sexual assault.

Anyone aged 16 or over can self-refer to a SARCS

You can find out more at nhsinform.scot/SARCS

Orkney’s SARCS offers

• Kind care where you are in control
• Care for your immediate medical, emotional or practical needs
• Choice by explaining your options, letting you decide
• A forensic medical examination if appropriate.  This can be with a specially trained female doctor and nurse, if you prefer this. You can ask to have a trusted friend or relative with you before, during and after the examination if you wish
• Storing of collected forensic evidence (which can be kept for up to 26 months) should you want to report to the police later 

Orkney Rape & Sexual Assault Service (ORSAS)

Telephone: 01856 872298

(ORSAS) offers:

• advice and information whether you are a survivor of rape and sexual violence; a friend or relative of a survivor; or a worker from another agency.
• advocacy support to people who have experienced a recent rape, attempted rape or sexual assault or who feel as if they are in crisis and need to see or speak to someone as soon as possible.
• longer-term support for people after an initial crisis and for those who experienced rape or sexual violence in the past (recently or years ago), as an adult or as a child.

SUPPORTING WAO

We have a WAO Wish List on Amazon, if you would like to send us something, we would be incredibly grateful & it could really make someone’s day.  https://smile.amazon.co.uk/…/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1

GETTING HELP…

• 999 silent call service: Make Yourself Heard if you are in danger and unable to talk, dial 999 from a mobile phone and press 55 – this will transfer your call to the police.
• Shakti Women’s Aid helps BME women, children, and young people experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic abuse
• Imkaan is a UK women’s organisation dedicated to addressing violence against BME women and girls.
• Southall Black Sisters offer specialist support, advocacy and information to Asian and African-Caribbean women suffering abuse.
• Opoka provide a national helpline for Polish women living in the UK.
• Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) provide support to women who may be trafficked and exploited
• Contact your local Women’s Aid: Women’s Aid Orkney 01856 877900 or info@womensaidorkney.org.uk
• Contact Refuge: 24hr helpline 0808 2000 247,  www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk (access live chat Mon-Fri 3-10pm), or send a message from using their contact form
• Confide in a friend, family, colleague, someone you trust for support & help
• Always contact the police in an emergency for free on 999 or 101 for non-emergency.

Special Thanks…

• Restart Orkney – for always being so helpful to service users when they are moving into new properties.
• Police officers working with the DAIU (Domestic Abuse Inverness Unit​) for their help and advice.
• Kirkwall Court’s Procurator Fiscal for enabling access to justice for survivors of domestic abuse.
• Miss Peak & her S4 students for their fundraising of £268.50.  Through bake sales and dress down days.
• Kirkwall Court’s Court Officer who always provides kind and calm support to survivors of domestic abuse.
• Orkney Children’s Trust for their ongoing support to children in our service.
• Samantha Thacker and Tracey Longworth who went above and beyond to offer such compassionate support for a woman in vulnerable circumstances.