Safer Communities Torbay sponsors The Big Gay Garden Picnic

The Big Gay Garden Picnic, which took place in the stunning inner gardens of Torre Abbey was part of the bigger 3-day weekend annual Pride Torbay event. Live music, arts and crafts stalls, croquet and an unusual treasure hunt were amongst some of the entertainments on the day.

A beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon invited many Torbay residents and families down to enjoy the spread. A free event, residents were encouraged to bring down their picnics and enjoy a relaxed and sociable afternoon.

Supporting the event, and in order to raise awareness about the importance of reporting hate crimes, Safer Communities Torbay Officers were present in an official capacity. Always keen to show support to Torbay’s diverse communities and events that bring the bay’s residents together, Safer Communities had another motive for being present. Consultation with a twist.

Mandy Riley, Project Officer for Safer Communities Torbay explains;

"Following on from our ‘You Said, We Did’ consultation events at the beginning of the year and taking into account residents’ advice, we have decided to take a slightly different approach to engaging with our communities. Rather than expecting people to come to us we are seizing the moment and turning up at large events like this one to try and gauge what peoples issues and concerns are.

It has proven really successful so far with people really keen to come over and have a chat. What is nicer about doing it this way is that you also get residents coming up and telling you what a great job you are doing and that is the reason that they haven’t been attending previous organised consultations."

The Police and Police authority also attended the event.

For more information and / or interviews please contact Mandy Riley, Project Officer or Gemma Pragnell, Marketing Officer, Safer Communities Torbay on 01803 841274.