Although not a formal organisation or charity, Bournemouth International and Neurodiverse Friends is a passionate group of volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting those who feel isolated or simply need someone to talk to. Their outreach, especially within the academic community, is driven entirely by faith and conviction, with no financial overheads, just a commitment to making a difference.

This month, the group chose to collect donations for Thin Blue Line UK, combining contributions from their supporters with a surplus fund. Their decision to support us stems from a meaningful encounter in November 2022, when they met a police officer at a Community Contact Point in Bournemouth Town Centre. During that conversation, the officer shared his personal struggle: his daughter had recently been diagnosed with autism and was being referred to a SEN school. The uncertainty had taken a toll on his family’s mental health.

Through sharing stories and offering reassurance, Bournemouth International and Neurodiverse Friends gave that officer hope—hope that his daughter could thrive and succeed despite her diagnosis. That moment of connection inspired their ongoing commitment to raising awareness and supporting the policing community.

Jack Woodward, one of the Trustees of Thin Blue Line UK, said “Receiving donations from groups such as Bournemouth International and Neurodiverse Friends is so important, as they enable our charity to continue providing mental health and wellbeing support to officers right across the UK. Within the last year, we have enabled opportunities for officers to attend wellbeing retreats, participate in International Police Week in Denmark, and we have signposted officers almost daily to online therapy support, which is fully funded by the charity via THRIVE. As a charity, we would like to thank Dr Andrew Rogers and all of the volunteers from Bournemouth International and Neurodiverse Friends for their kindness and generosity towards Thin Blue Line UK in supporting officers throughout the UK”.

We are deeply grateful for their generosity and the spirit of compassion that drives their work. Donations like these help Thin Blue Line UK continue its mission to support the mental health and wellbeing of those who serve and protect.