The charity Enable Scotland has urged Orcadians to back its bid to set up a new friendship network on the islands for people with learning disabilities.
It's been shortlisted to win £47,000 in funding from the People's Millions and needs public backing to clinch the grant.
The charity's considerable experience of supporting people who have learning disabilities has highlighted that many feel socially isolated and lonely, and have limited opportunities to engage in meaningful, fulfilling and enjoyable activities.
These findings have led Enable Scotland to set up a number of projects across Scotland, which have opened up a network of friendships and loving relationships which adults usually take for granted. Only one in three people who have learning disabilities is able to name at least one close friend.
It's estimated that more than 100 people who live on Orkney have learning disabilities. Listening to their views, the charity has found that off-island placements or spells away for medical treatment can lead to feelings of isolation and the inability to reconnect with friends on their return.
Jan Savage, assistant director, campaigns and membership at Enable Scotland, said: "At the heart of this proposed project is friendship, an essential part of people's lives. Not only would a Friendship Network on Orkney help people to meet friends, develop relationships and share interests, it would also lessen their dependence on families and carers for companionship and entertainment.
"A Friendship Network would help Orkney businesses and organisations understand how they can help people with learning disabilities to access and enjoy their services and contribute to the local economy."
Since the launch of an Enable Scotland Friendship Network in Helensburgh in January, 27 people have become members, groups who met through the network are now socialising outwith facilitated groups, relationships have been formed, and great days out are being enjoyed.
At 9am on Monday, November 24, the People's Millions will release a dedicated phone number and invite voters to dial in and select a winner. Callers can vote from the same telephone number up to 10 times.
Enable said supporters could also help by sharing its Facebook posts and re-tweeting from its Twitter account
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