by Jack Woodward
•
29 November 2025
Our spectacular annual Thin Blue Line UK Gala Ball was held at Titanic Belfast on Saturday 29th November 2025 and following the event we are pleased to announce that the charity has raised an impressive £23,000 to support the mental health and wellbeing of police officers across the UK! To say we are moved as a charity is an understatement! This will now allow us to continue our work and enable us to provide help to officers when it is needed most. The event brought together 400 guests from Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Denmark, the United States, and beyond, showcasing the strength and unity of the global policing family. The evening was a celebration of resilience and community, featuring a keynote address from Hannah Bailey of Blue Light Wellbeing, whose powerful words captivated the audience. Speaking after Hannah’s speech, one guest, Adam from England, said “The keynote speech really hit home. Mental health support for officers is something we all need to champion”. In addition during the evening an anonymous officer who attended one of the Blue Light Wellbeing retreats shared “Thank you, Thin Blue Line UK , for funding my place and giving me the chance to step away, reset, and reconnect. The Blue Light Wellbeing retreat was a gift I didn’t know I needed. I’ve come away with renewed balance and resilience. Your charity, working with the incredible Hannah Bailey, has created something truly special. As a serving officer, thank you for supporting my mental health and the wellbeing of my colleagues and me”. Key sponsors GEOAMEY and GCM Security played a vital role in making the event possible. Following the event, Jon White, CEO of GCM Security said “My dedication to Thin Blue Line UK will never waver; it means so much to me and my colleagues”. The event was hosted by Paul Clarke of UTV, with entertainment provided by The Bizz, ensuring guests enjoyed a lively and memorable night. Guests were treated to a stunning cake by Haley from The Busy Whisk Bakery and professional photography by Phil McIntosh Photography & Videography. During the event, Haley told guests “Donating a cake to the charity feels like such a small gesture compared to what they’ve done for me. Thin Blue Line UK gave me hope when I had none, and for that, I’ll always be deeply grateful”. Guests also took part in a fantastic raffle and auction, winning and bidding on amazing gifts and items, alongside contributions from Thin Blue Line Denmark, UK Cop Humour, and many others; including a special thank you for the Police Service of Northern Ireland whose Chief Officers and policing teams attended, along with their Pipe Band to make the evening truly magical. During the evening, Paul Clarke led a poignant moment of silence to honour officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty—both recently and in the past—reminding attendees of the sacrifices made by those who serve. The funds raised will help the charity continue its mission to provide essential support for officers facing mental health challenges. Michael, an officer from Northern Ireland, said “The atmosphere was electric, but the moment of silence reminded us why we were there. It was deeply moving”. Looking ahead to next year, Rachel a guest from Scotland, said “It was an unforgettable night. Seeing so many people come together for such an important cause was truly inspiring. I’m really hoping the charity brings their next ball to Scotland. Edinburgh was incredible, but Thin Blue Line UK has grown so much since then, and we are extremely excited to see how they continue to grow in the years to come”. Thanking the guests at the end of the event, the Thin Blue Line UK charity trustees said “By attending our ball, you’ve helped us raise vital funds, allowing us to continue supporting the positive mental health and wellbeing of officers across the UK. We hope you’ve had a fabulous evening, and please remember that our ball tonight isn’t just a celebration of the work of our charity—it’s a lifeline. Together, we can make a positive difference for those who protect us.” The charities annual Gala Balls are a key way in which key funding is raised to enable the charity to continue its important work, please keep an eye on the charities website for further information as Thin Blue Line UK looks forwards to planning its next ball in 2026, in a location yet to be confirmed!