Tomorrow (July 5), around 750 adults with a learning disability and/or autism will be meeting the people and machines of the emergency services at Cornwall’s annual Blue Light Day.

The event, which is being held at the Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, runs from 10am until 2.30pm and is free to attend.

Now in its tenth year, Blue Light Day aims to break down barriers between adults with learning disabilities and/or autism and the emergency services, helping them to be more confident and independent in the community.

Highlights of the day will include the attendance of the Coastguard Helicopter (subject to weather) and demonstrations from the emergency services. 

Some of the outdoor events will also be shown on an inside screen via a Police Drone.

Staff from the police, ambulance, fire, coastguard, mountain rescue and more, together with a selection of their vehicles and equipment, will all be there, as will the Purple Angel Ponies who help people with dementia and other health problems live well and get healthy by walking together.

Blue Light Day is organised by Devon and Cornwall Police in partnership with Cornwall People First, a user-led advocacy group for people with a learning disability and /or autism, Cornwall Council and, this year, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Its success has inspired Blue Light Days in Exeter and Plymouth.