Earlier this week, as a member of Police Charities UK (PCUK), we met with representatives of the other member charities for the second formal meeting this year.
PCUK is a unique group of police charities who collaborate for the benefit of serving/former members of UK police forces and their families.
Guest speakers included lady Bathurst from the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals who spoke passionately about the support offered to dogs and horses who devote their lives to public service and need ongoing care once they have retired from their duties. There was also an enlightening talk from Matt Hopley who shared information about the nationwide police chaplaincy and their hopes and plans for the future.
Collaboration and teamwork are imperative for smaller charities who are looking to create a sustainable long-term future in delivering their mission. Working together and sharing knowledge can help us achieve goals which might otherwise elude us, especially when considering the many challenges faced by police community charities in particular.
Our attendance at the meeting helped us recognise the benefits of teamwork whilst sharing best practice, resources and skills and has helped us at the Fund to carefully consider potential opportunities for raising awareness and furthering our objects.
A big ‘thank you’ to the The Ben Fund staff at St Michael’s Lodge in Lancashire who hosted the event.
We are so proud to be part of PCUK and we will keep you updated on any future collaborative projects to support police families.