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Exeter Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) has won a national Reaching 18–25s Award in recognition of its pioneering work supporting young adults and improving safety across the city’s evening and night-time economy. The accolade was awarded by Community Alcohol Partnerships and the Exeter CAP team will receive their award at a ceremony held in the House of Commons on 2nd March 2026.
CAPs are community-led partnerships which bring together local police, councils, schools, retailers, and community groups. Their primary goal is to reduce underage alcohol consumption and the resulting harms, improving health and well-being, and enhancing the wider community.
Exeter CAP is the first partnership in the South West to focus specifically on the 18–25 age group, recognising that young adults face distinct risks and pressures that require a different approach from traditional under-18 prevention work. Rather than adapting existing programmes, partners designed a new model rooted in local need and shaped directly by young people themselves.
Through structured consultation involving hundreds of young people, Exeter CAP gathered insight into the challenges faced by those socialising and studying in the city. Safety emerged as a clear priority, particularly concerns about feeling safe during nights out.
In response, the partnership delivered practical and visible changes. Additional taxi marshals have been introduced to support safe journeys home, anti-spiking training is being rolled out to security staff. The partnership was recently awarded Purple Flag status which demonstrates excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy.
Exeter CAP has also promoted safer socialising options through creative and inclusive activities. A low- and no-alcohol event featuring music, craft activities and a silent disco offered young adults an attractive alternative to alcohol-led nights out. The event proved popular, with further alcohol-free social events planned during traditionally high-risk periods such as January.
The partnership’s work is already influencing practice beyond Exeter, with other areas, including Torquay, exploring how a similar model could be adopted locally.
A spokesperson for Exeter CAP commented: “Exeter is a youthful, student-friendly city, welcoming tens of thousands of young people who attend our Russell Group University and outstanding Exeter College. Their presence brings energy and vibrancy to the city centre, and it is incumbent on all of us as city partners to ensure they can enjoy safe, positive nights out. This award reflects the strength of that shared commitment, and I am proud of the collaborative work taking place to support and protect our young people.”
Steve Race MP commented: “As a busy University city with a growing and dynamic economy, Exeter is at the centre of the region’s nighttime economy attracting many people every day to our bars, clubs and cultural venues. That means lots of young people, and so Exeter CAP’s work to design a new model of service tailored specifically to the 18-25 age group is very welcome.
“The decision to prioritise safety reflects the concerns I hear from young people across the city.
“This award is a testament to the hard work and innovation of the Exeter CAP team, and along with our recent Purple Flag status, is more important recognition of the work being done in Exeter to make sure everyone can enjoy a safe night out.”
Commenting on the award, CAP Director Kate Winstanley said: “Exeter CAP has shown real leadership in recognising that young adults need a different approach and then building a partnership that listens to them and acts on what they say. By improving safety in the evening economy while also creating attractive alcohol-free social options, the partnership is helping young people enjoy their city more safely. Their work sets an excellent example for other areas and makes them very worthy winners of the Reaching 18–25s Award.”
