Suicide Bereavement Support for Children in Bolton

Suicide bereavement can be particularly complex and distressing for children and young people. When someone dies by suicide, children often experience a wide range of emotions, including confusion, guilt, anger, shame, anxiety, and fear of further loss. These feelings can affect behaviour, relationships, school life, and long-term emotional wellbeing.

Specialist suicide bereavement support for children recognises that this type of grief is different from other bereavements. Children need age-appropriate spaces where they can talk openly, ask difficult questions, and connect with others who have lived through a similar experience.

Why Specialist Support for Children and Young People Matters

Children and young people bereaved by suicide are at greater risk of complicated grief, emotional distress, and isolation if they do not receive the right support. Many struggle to explain how they feel or worry about upsetting the adults around them.

At Alfie’s Squad, we believe that peer support is essential. Being with other children and young people who understand what suicide loss feels like helps reduce stigma, normalise emotions, and build resilience. Children and young people do not have to explain their story repeatedly or feel different from those around them, they are accepted as they are.

How Alfie’s Squad Supports Children and Young People Bereaved by Suicide

Alfie’s Squad offers free peer support groups for children and young people aged 6–17 who have been bereaved by suicide. Our groups are not counselling or therapy; they are supportive, structured peer environments focused on connection, understanding, and fun.

Sessions include:

• Age-appropriate group activities

• Opportunities to talk (but no pressure to do so)

• Creative and confidence-building exercises

• A strong emphasis on safety, belonging, and friendship

All sessions are facilitated by trained adults and delivered within a robust safeguarding framework.

For families in Bolton who are unable to attend an in-person group, or while local provision is being expanded, children and young people can access our weekly online peer support group, ensuring no child is excluded due to location or travel barriers.

Our peer support model is currently the only service of its kind in the UK dedicated specifically to children and young bereaved by suicide.

Families in and around Bolton deserve specialist services that understand the unique challenges of suicide bereavement.

Our Bolton base offers a consistent weekly space where children can feel safe, understood, and connected to others who “get it.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this support free?
Yes. All peer support for children and families is provided free of charge.

Is Alfie’s Squad counselling?
No. Our groups are peer support spaces, not counselling. They focus on shared experience, connection, and fun activities.

What ages do you support?
We support children and young people aged 6–17. We can support children slightly younger or older in special circumstances. Please contact us for more information.

Do you support families outside Bolton?
Yes. If you can get to us, we can support you. If travelling is not possible, children and young people outside of Greater Manchester can join our online support groups, and we are expanding services into new areas.

If you would find it easier to access our Liverpool group, you can find out more here.

Get Started Today

If your child has been bereaved by suicide and you are looking for specialist support in Bolton, we invite you to make a referral via our website or contact us at info@alfiessquad.org.

Together, we can help your child feel understood, supported, and connected.