The Alfie’s Squad Children’s Support Groups (known as squads) runs in eight-week blocks in two age groups.
What are the squads?
We want the children who come to Alfie’s Squad to feel less isolated and improve their self worth. By being in a group of children who have gone through the same or similar experiences, we know they will find strength from each other, and will form strong, lasting bonds. Our children’s support group is all about the children enjoying themselves. Alfie’s vision is that no child will grow up feeling isolated after being bereaved by suicide.
Please note: We don’t just help children who have lost a parent. It can be any family member or friend. If your child has been affected in some way, then please get in touch with us. Our support groups are by referral only. If you know of a child who has been bereaved by suicide, or self-inflicted death, you can refer a child to us by filling in the form here.
Activities
Alfie’s Squad Children’s Support Group runs in 8 week blocks. There are two sessions which cater for two different age groups: 7-11 year olds and 12-17 year olds. Our sessions are held at The People’s Place, 46a Spellow Lane, Liverpool L4 4DF on Thursdays.
7-11 group: 5.30pm to 6.30pm 12-17 group: 6.45pm to 7.45pm
As well as being around other children, Alfie’s Squad provides a range of bonding activities, such as circus skills, a graffiti workshop, DJ skills, podcasting, giant games night, Brazilian drumming, and various sports. Everything that happens within our support group has been carefully thought out by Alfie and his mum. This isn’t a counselling group. However, if you decide that your child would benefit from counselling sessions, we can help you access the correct services.
Adult support group
Alfie’s Squad Adults Support Group will run at the same time, and at the same venue as the children’s support group.
Whilst there is support already available for adults who have been bereaved by suicide, it can be logistically difficult for parents or carers to attend as they are often evening sessions and in the city centre. in addition, any parent who has lost a family member to suicide will know that the worst time for a bereaved child is bedtime.
We want to be able to provide a safe space for the adults to meet, and the support group will be in the same building as where the children will be and is run by Alfie’s mum, Allison. This isn’t a counselling group; it is somewhere where we can have a brew and a piece of cake, and just have a chat. You won’t be asked to tell everyone your story, but we are there if you need to talk.
Should I refer my child?
We would also welcome parents or carers who are undecided about referring their child, so they can come and find out more about the children’s group.
We know, from personal experience, that telling a child that their loved one has died by suicide, is the most difficult thing you can ever do, and some may have put this off due to fear. This is completely understandable. If this is the case, we would suggest you come along to our adults group and speak to us so we can maybe help and support you in the best way to explain to your child.
For more information about the adults group, or to refer yourself to it, please visit our contact page or send an email to info@alfiessquad.org.
