Orkney Blide Trust

Orkney Blide Trust or "The Blide" as it is affectionately known, is the only dedicated mental health charity in Orkney. We are here for any adult living in Orkney who is experiencing mental health difficulties including anxiety, low mood or depression as well as those living with a diagnosed mental illness. The Blide offers a drop in service and cafe which is a safe and welcoming place, open 365 days a year. We also provide 1 to 1 support (both at our building at 54 Victoria Street and remotely through visits or phone calls) and therapeutic activities to support people on their path to recovery.

Everything we provide is shaped by our members and their needs and wishes, with regular members meetings to plan whats ahead. The Blide is basically a community within a community consisting of around 190 members, alongside staff to plan, design , and take part in different activities as part of their mental health recovery. Everyone is different, so each Blide member has their own individualized recovery plan base on their needs.

Orkney Heart Support Group

Orkney Heart Support Group was established in 2004 to benefit people living in Orkney, with heart problems. The group receives no grants and relies on our own fundraising and the generosity of the public and businesses with the money staying in Orkney. This money has enabled the group to donate defibrillators and cabinets to most schools, donate to all doctors practices to purchase heart related equipment and donate various items of equipment to the cardiac unit at the Balfour (the most recent being a portable EGC unit which enables the heart failure Nurse to take ECGs in the patients homes).

The group also maintains contact with NHS Orkney and other organisations ensuring the needs of heart patients are recognised. It was campaigning and meetings with NHS Orkney over several years that led to the employment of a heart failure Nurse in Orkney in 2020. Social meetings are held most months with a varied programme e.g., talks, music etc. A May outing with buffet and Christmas party are also organised. Those who are unable to attend due to illness or bereavement receive fruit or flowers. New members are always welcome, and it is them who will ensure the continuation of the group in the future.