Why suicide bereavement support for children and young people is so important
Children and young people who have been bereaved by suicide often face intense feelings of isolation, confusion, guilt, and sadness. The impact of losing a parent, sibling, family member, or friend to suicide can affect every part of a child’s life, including their sense of safety, school performance, friendships, and long-term mental health.
Suicide bereavement support for children focuses on helping them understand and express their grief, build resilience, and feel less alone through connection with others who share similar experiences.
Unlike adult-focused bereavement services, specialised support for children recognises that young people grieve differently and need age-appropriate spaces to explore complex feelings.
How Alfie’s Squad Supports Children Bereaved by Suicide
At Alfie’s Squad we provide free peer support groups for children and young people aged 6–17 who have been bereaved by suicide. These groups are safe, welcoming environments where children can meet others who truly understand what they are going through, share experiences, and form friendships.
Our support is not counselling; it is a peer support model that uses shared experience and empathy to reduce isolation and improve self-worth. Sessions include fun, engaging activities designed to help children connect, build confidence, and express themselves in ways that feel comfortable for them.
Weekly sessions are held in Liverpool, offering consistent, face-to-face support for local families. For children and young people who cannot attend in person due to distance or other barriers, we also run a weekly online support group that brings our community together virtually.
Our peer support model is currently the only one of its kind in the UK specifically for children bereaved by suicide.
