Orkney Alcohol and Drugs Partnership

13/10/2026

We are looking forward to the film premiere of "Alcohol-Free in Orkney" on the 12th of November at the Kings Street Halls. If you're interested in attending or for more information, please follow the below link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=veDvEDCgykuAnLXmdF5JmqWOOD_c3X9HuTGFw4AKzvdURTJPNlZDVjhXM1ZUMDRUOTE4UlpYTjlKVC4u

Arclett

Orkney Alcohol and Drugs Partnership film premiere of “Alcohol-Free in Orkney”

On National Alcohol Action Day, 12 November, The Orkney Alcohol and Drugs Partnership will premiere their “Alcohol Free in Orkney” short film in partnership with Arclett. Arclett is a specialist alcohol prevention platform which focuses on early behaviour change. The premiere will take place in the King Street Halls, Kirkwall from 4pm where everyone is invited to attend.

This film features Martin Gray sharing his own story, explaining how his own relationship with alcohol has changed. It focuses on the importance of talking and having conversations and that these conversations don’t have to be clinical.

If you’re interested in attending, please confirm your place by completing the MS Form here, https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=veDvEDCgykuAnLXmdF5JmqWOOD_c3X9HuTGFw4AKzvdURTJPNlZDVjhXM1ZUMDRUOTE4UlpYTjlKVC4u&route=shorturl directed and produced by Arclett. There will be support available before, during and after the film screening.

Read more on our website here, https://www.ohb.scot.nhs.uk/orkney-alcohol-and-drugs-partnership-film-premiere-of-alcohol-free-in-orkney/

Orkney Alcohol and Drugs Partnership
Orkney Islands Council

02/10/2026

We’re pleased to have the Oral Health Team from NHS Orkney and GamCare joining the Recovery Drop-In Service next Thursday afternoon at King Street Halls.

Emma and Erin from the Oral Health Team, and Lorraine from GamCare, will be joining us.

Due to staffing issues, the 2–4pm group will not run next week, but the drop-in service remains open to everyone. Any questions, just let us know.

24/09/2026

A week today the Orkney Careers Fair will be taken place in the Pickaquoy Centre from 0930 - 1800. We would recommend anyone interested in employment, training or education pathways to take the time to visit. For more information follow the QR code or through the DYW Orkney website.

17/09/2026

A week on from World Su***de Prevention Day, we're sharing this powerful and important, but difficult, film - What I want you to know.

It follows Phil Wanless and his journey after the death of his son Fraser, who died by su***de in 2021, exploring bereavement, substance use, relationships and trauma, and the impact these can have.
https://www.su***deprevention.scot/fraser

Before watching the film, it is important to note that it includes strong language and discusses themes of su***de, substance use and trauma. Viewers may find some of the content distressing.

If you choose to watch, please take care of yourself. Local support is available through the website below:
https://adult.protectorkney.co.uk/alcohol-and-drugs/

The Su***de Orkney Support App is also available which aims to help those in need to manage and put in place helpful strategies to cope in times of crisis. The app contains a variety of local and national support services which people can access via the links in the app:
https://www.su***deorkneysupport.co.uk/

Su***de Prevention Scotland

🆕 It's World Su***de Prevention Day and so we're thinking of everyone who has lost someone they love. 💜

Today we're publishing our new film, What I want you to know.

It tells the story of Phil Wanless and his son Fraser, who died by su***de in 2021.

Phil goes on a journey to explore the impact of bereavement, substance use, relationships and trauma and how that ultimately led to Fraser's death.

This film is really difficult, but so important, to watch.

If you do watch it, please make sure to look after yourself.

🔗 https://su***deprevention.scot/fraser

10/09/2026

FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) is estimated to be 3-5 times more prevalent than autism. FASD is also more common than ADHD, Downs Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy.

More information can be found at https://www.adoptionuk.org/fasd-hub

FASD Hub Scotland

Welcome to FASD Awareness Month
FASD affects more people than most realise, yet remains one of the least understood neurodevelopmental conditions.
This month we'll be sharing practical information, lived experiences, educational strategies and support resources.
Here you can access our "What is FASD?" factsheet: https://www.adoptionuk.org/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=ab4d15db-3808-4b2b-95da-911843e7135c

31/08/2026

Today we remember those who have lost their lives to overdose, stand with everyone affected, and recognise that overdose is a public health issue — not a reason for shame or stigma.

Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community.

Awareness, compassion, harm reduction and access to the right support can save lives. Talking openly about overdose helps challenge stigma and makes it easier for people to ask for help when they need it.

Today, we remember.
We raise awareness.
We work towards a future where fewer lives are lost.

Which was at the forefront of our recent visit from Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs (SFAD) as part of their Naloxone Roadshow event. Jess has kindly shared this short clip to highlight the importance of these visits and ongoing work around overdose prevention.

27/08/2026

Every August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) brings a global community together to take action on overdose. This year the theme for IOAD is 25 Years On. Still Needed.

The truth is, we shouldn’t still need this day. But we do.

Overdose continues to affect every community. Yet it can be prevented. We know how to reduce risk and keep people safe. By speaking openly, learning from one another, and treating each other with care and respect, we build a world where fewer lives are lost.

Overdose intervention & prevention training is available directly from us if anyone would like to find out more contact us direct or further information is on https://www.overdoseday.com/

International Overdose Awareness Day in essence: Meaningful change through remembrance, support and action. How do you remember, support or take action for IOAD? Let us know in the comments.

26/08/2026

For local supports, please follow the link below to our website on the NHS Orkney website:
https://www.ohb.scot.nhs.uk/our-services/alcohol-and-drugs-partnership-adp/

The Protect Orkney website is also a great resource for further information on all public protection matters including alcohol & drugs: https://adult.protectorkney.co.uk/alcohol-and-drugs/

Alcohol Focus Scotland

20/08/2026

It was great having Jess here from SFAD on Monday and Tuesday this week. It was a successful event with lots of engagement with the local community and ultimately more people walking away feeling more informed around the risks of overdose. Naloxone kits were also handed out as we continue to be proactive around reducing drug deaths in Scotland.

For those wondering what Naloxone is, it is an emergency antidote for overdoses caused by he**in and other opiates or opioids (such as methadone, morphine, nitazenes and fentanyl) The main life-threatening effect of he**in and other opiates is to slow down and stop breathing. Naloxone blocks this effect and reverses the breathing difficulties. Anyone can use naloxone to save a life in an emergency. Often the drug supply in Scotland is contaminated meaning there can be a number of substances present in batches, often people who use drugs are unaware that other substances (sometimes stronger drugs such as nitazenes/fentanyl) can be in their supply alongside their drug of choice. Which makes the risk of overdose much higher.

For further information on Naloxone, please visit our partners at SFAD - https://www.sfad.org.uk/naloxone

Or if anyone who missed this opportunity to receive training and would like to find out more, contact us direct or drop past Kings Street Halls on a Thursday afternoon.

Thanks to Right There Orkney for helping out on Monday & Orkney Blide Trust for the use of their space when the weather turned on Tuesday!

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs

20/08/2026

This coming Friday, 21st August at Stromness Community Centre, Action for Children Orkney and Community Learning & Development Orkney are running the first Drop-In of term! Cat, Karen, Christine and Donna, are looking forward to welcoming you back. For our new S1's, if you are unsure of where to go, Karen will meet you in the reception of the Stromness Academy after activities... There are no costs to this Drop-In or the activities on offer 😀