The conference hosted by the incredible Lucy Meacock, formerly of Granda News; served as a vital forum for exploring how policing can adapt to meet the challenges of modern town centre environments, with discussions focused on operational strategies to reduce crime, enhance public confidence, and create safer spaces for communities. However, Thin Blue Line UK used this opportunity to champion an equally critical issue: the mental health and wellbeing of police officers.

Police officers face unique pressures in their roles, often working in high-stress environments and dealing with traumatic incidents. These challenges can take a significant toll on their mental health, and without adequate support, the impact can be long-lasting. During the conference, Thin Blue Line UK engaged with senior leaders to highlight the importance of prioritising officer wellbeing alongside operational effectiveness. The charity emphasised that supporting officers is not only vital for their personal health but also for maintaining a strong, resilient policing workforce capable of delivering the best service to the public.

As part of its presence at the event, Thin Blue Line UK featured in a full-page spread within the official conference brochure, showcasing the range of services and assistance available to officers. From confidential support to practical resources, the charity’s work is designed to ensure that those who protect our communities have access to the help they need. Attendees also left with one of the charity’s popular branded pens, which proved to be a hit and will serve as a lasting reminder of the invaluable support Thin Blue Line UK offers.

Speaking after the event, Jack Woodward a Trustee of Thin Blue Line UK charity expressed its gratitude to Merseyside Police for the opportunity to participate in such an influential forum: "We are committed to supporting officers across the UK, and this conference allowed us to share our message with key decision-makers. By working together, we can ensure safer communities and healthier, supported officers. We are incredibly grateful to Merseyside Police for allowing us to be part of such important conversations".

The charity believes that events like the Safer Town Conference are essential for fostering collaboration between policing bodies, government agencies, and support organisations. By combining efforts, the policing family can not only improve public safety but also create a culture where officer wellbeing is seen as a priority too, enabling a sustainable policing response.

Thin Blue Line UK looks forward to continuing its collaboration with policing partners and stakeholders to promote both community safety and officer mental health. The charity remains dedicated to ensuring that every officer knows they are not alone and that help is always available.