Police Community Support Officers offer a warm welcome at TOAST youth club

Police Community Support Officers Colin Balch and Karen Capey will be taking part in a new Exmouth youth club initiative on Tuesday 23 January. 

Called ‘TOAST’, the sessions run on a Tuesday and Thursday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm at Open Door community centre in Church Street, Exmouth and are for secondary school and college age students.

PCSO Karen, who works in Budleigh Salterton, Woodbury and other villages as well as across Exmouth, explained: “TOAST is similar to a youth club and the youngsters can take part in crafts, online gaming and baking. We will be going along and will be available to those taking part who want to discuss any concerns they may have. 

“We will explain to the youngsters about our role and give out freebies such as the INSIGHTZ fobs which have been designed by young people with no police logos attached - this was done in mind to deter their peers from making fun of them. If they scan the QR code it will take them to the Devon & Cornwall Police youth website which gives them advice and guidance on how to stay safe, as well as information about other issues including drugs and sexual exploitation.”

The name TOAST was chosen as those attending will be offered some bread-based snacks during their two hour session.

Rose Doyle, Youth Services Lead at Open Door Exmouth, added: “Toast is a new youth café run by Open Door Exmouth for secondary-school aged young people to hang out in a safe space. Each young person can receive a free after school snack and hot or cold drink. There are board games, video games, and crafts available, as well as support from a member of the youth team if they require it. Young people can come and go as they please between 3:30-5:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Open Door Exmouth during term time."  

The TOAST gathering on 23 January takes place during national Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action which highlights the good work of local police teams who engage with communities, organise advice sessions for all ages and carry out high visibility foot patrols throughout the year. The week is co-ordinated by the College of Policing and you can look out for social media messages #NeighbourhoodPolicingWeek or visit www.devon-cornwall.police.uk  

For more information about the Open Door charity visit https://www.opendoorexmouth.org.uk or look for Open Door Exmouth on Facebook. You can follow local police updates by following Exmouth Police on Facebook.

More information about INSIGHTZ can be found at Youth - Dorset Police and Devon and Cornwall Police working in Partnership (devon-cornwall.police.uk)