Thin Blue Line UK Gala Ball raises an incredible £23,000 for supporting Police Officers in their Mental Health & Wellbeing
29 November 2025
The trustees of Thin Blue Line UK are truly moved by the generosity of the thin blue line community for helping raise such an amazing amount for the charity.
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!
On Friday 9th January 2026, Thin Blue Line UK proudly attended the National Safer Town Conference, held at the iconic Royal Liver Building in Liverpool, following an invitation from Merseyside Police. This prestigious event brought together senior policing leaders from across the country, alongside representatives from the Home Office, HMICFRS and Police and Crime Commissioners, to discuss strategies aimed at improving the safety and resilience of town centres nationwide. 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.
Thin Blue Line UK sends warm New Year wishes to its followers & supporters worldwide, particularly the UK policing family. Wishing you health and happiness in 2026!
