We’re excited to be launching our first hub outside of Liverpool! Our friendly and welcoming peer support group is coming to Bolton in October, for children and young people who have lost a loved one to suicide.

We’ve teamed up with Bolton Lads and Girls Club to run free weekly sessions, where children and young people (aged 6-17), and their families can meet others and take part in fun and engaging activities.

The Bolton hub is a big milestone for Alfie’s Squad, becoming the second permanent location!

Alfie’s Squad was started by now 16year old Alfie, who at age eight, lost his dad to suicide in 2017. Unable to find the right support, Alfie wanted to create a place where families could connect with each other. After years of fundraising, Alfie and his mum, Allison, launched Alfie’s Squad in 2023 and has since welcomed many children with the chance to build friendships and confidence.

Allison Furlong, CEO of Alfie’s Squad said,

“We’ve worked extremely hard to get this far with Alfie’s Squad and are beyond proud to be able to be opening a second hub. While suicide has a ripple effect on families and communities, children and young people are often forgotten about. Even more families will be able to benefit from our sessions that focus on friendship, creativity, and shared experience that help children and young people grow through grief and feel less alone.”

Bolton mum, Katie, comments,

“We’ve been lucky enough to travel to Liverpool for Alfie’s Squad, but having it here in Bolton means more families won’t have to struggle alone. My son enjoys fun activities with others who understand what he’s going through, and I’ve found my own support group with other parents and carers. I’m looking forward to help others like us settle into the new Hub, but we’ll still make the occasional trip to Liverpool to see the friends we’ve been lucky to make.”

Adult support group

While the children and young people enjoy their activities, at the same time the parents and carers also get the chance to benefit from their own support group. People aren’t asked to share their story, but knowing others there may share the same experiences, families can openly talk or ask others for advice and guidance.

Sarah Randall, Director of Children and Young People, Bolton Lads and Girls Club adds,

“We are extremely excited to be partnering with Alfie’s Squad. We know how important it is for children and young people to have a safe and supportive space, where there is no pressure to talk or to explain why you are there and feel a sense of belonging.”

How to get involved

Free weekly sessions will take place from October at the Bolton Lads and Girls Club’s Infinity Centre.  If you’re a parent, carer, or a professional supporting a family who has experienced this kind of loss, you can make a referral to Alfie’s Squad.

Please note that this is not a counselling group or walk-in service.

• To find out more about making a referral for the new Bolton hub of Alfie’s Squad, please drop an email over to info@alfiessquad.org
• To find out more about making a referral for the existing Liverpool hub, please head over to the referral page for more details – www.alfiessquad.org/referral

Launch event for Key Services – Tues 2nd Sept 1pm – 3pm

Whether you work in public health, youth services, education, policing, mental health, or other key services, with your help, we can reach the families in need of this support.

To help promote the new hub, we’re inviting those who work in key services to join us at the Infinity Centre in Bolton on Tuesday 2nd September, 1pm – 3pm.

The session will include:

• An introduction to the charity Alfie’s Squad
• The impact being made for the whole family bereaved by suicide
• How you can play a part in referring families for support
• Your chance to ask questions, network and discuss future partnerships
• Enjoy a tour round the centre and lunch!

If you’re in a position to help us reach more families who have lost a loved one to suicide, please don’t hesitate to book your free ticket heading over to Bolton launch of Alfie’s Squad