Devon & Cornwall Police News site

‘So if there was a fire in my house, someone can help put it out for me?’

This was a genuine and heartfelt question asked by a person with a learning disability at last year’s Blue Light Day – a powerful reminder of why breaking down barriers can help to save lives.

Now in its eighteenth year, the unique event returned to the Royal Cornwall Showground on Wednesday 2 July.

It welcomed hundreds of adults with learning disabilities and autism. It aims to help this community understand what emergency services do, how the services can support them and how to get help if they need it.

It’s also an opportunity for the emergency services to learn more about how they can best support individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

This year, it brought together representatives from Devon & Cornwall Police, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, the NHS and the wider blue light family, including the RNLI, Coastguard, Search and Rescue, Blood Bikes as well as charities and local organisations. 

Attendees had the opportunity to visit a number of stands and take part in activities to find out about support available to them from different organisations. 

“This event is so important in helping us to keep people safe,” said PC Sarah Treeby, who supported with the organisation of the joint event.

“It’s vital for us to share important and often life-saving information with this community, so that if they’re ever in need of emergency help, they know what to do.

“It’s also a chance for us to show that we’re not ‘scary’ and that we’re actually friendly, approachable and here to help everyone, no matter who it is.”

Police Sergeant for the Diverse Communities team, Flo Linscott, added: “This is a much-loved event for many across Cornwall. Thank you to all our local partners who came together to help make this possible.”

Adults from across Cornwall were invited from local groups and organisations to attend the Blue Light Day.

This year’s event was organised by the Devon & Cornwall Police Diversity Team, Cornwall Fire & Rescue, Accomplish and Cornwall People First.

Fliss Hedge, Operational Lead for Cornwall People First, said: "Blue Light Day is a highlight on the social calendar for many people with learning disabilities and autism in Cornwall.

"We’ve already received lots of positive feedback about this year’s event including comments about the kindness, love and sharing that was evident on the day."

"The atmosphere is joyful and inclusive, where people feel free to be themselves and try something new—whether that’s sitting on a police bike, chatting with someone in uniform, or joining in with a song on stage.

"Blue Light Day is a wonderful opportunity to break down barriers between the emergency services and the learning disability community."

Published 3 July 2025.