Exmouth Town Council's chairman presented Exmouth Open Door with a cheque of £568, raised by holding a barn dance. 

The cheque was presented during the Annual Town Meeting at the Town Hall on Monday March 18. Where representatives from Open Door to give a presentation on its work in the community.

The Town Council supports Open Door with funding through its grant funding scheme and in recognition, councillor Davey has chosen it as his Mayor’s charity for 2023/24.

The barn dance took place at Exmouth Town Football Club on Saturday, March 9. Exmouth Mayor's charity barn dance at Exmouth Football Club

At the meeting, CEO Lisa Pike talked to the crowd about the increased demand for its services and councillor Davey presented Lisa with a cheque for £568, proceeds from his recent charity barn dance.

The Annual Town Meeting is a public annual gathering where anyone registered as an elector can raise concerns about the town.

In recent years, the meeting has also served as an opportunity to acknowledge grass roots community organisations.

Councillor Davey said: “Having previously heard about the wonderful work of Open Door in helping individuals and families in need, it was a no-brainer to select it as my Mayor's charity. It's helping a wide range of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Exmouth and it has been pleasure to be able to support it."

Lisa Pike said: “We were delighted to be selected as the Mayor’s chosen charity of the year. Open Door received 17,844 visits to its services in 2023 with a 67% increase in people needing 1:1 help. We are so grateful for funding such as this and for our amazing team of 90+ volunteers, who make a difference everyday.

"We will continue to do all we can to provide support and welcoming spaces to those who need it most in our community.” The evening concluded with light refreshments."