As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our tenants who supports families and make sure every young person affected by suicide gets the support they deserve – Alfie’s Squad!
Finding a home for Alfie’s Squad and its families
Alfie’s Squad already feels at home, settled into its space at Creative Campus at the Baltic since January this year. Providing support to children and young people who have lost a loved one to suicide, the Liverpool based charity is welcoming families from across the North West.
Founded by CEO Allison Furlong and her son Alfie, the charity was created after Alfie who was only eight and lost his dad to suicide. Unable to find the right support for Alfie, they wanted to make sure other families had somewhere to turn.
Young members get the chance to build friendships and confidence, through fun and engaging activities. It’s a space where young people can feel understood, because those around them have been through similar experiences.
Safe supportive base found
Last year, Allison saw how much the charity was growing and wanted to find somewhere that felt right for Alfie’s Squad. The move to Baltic Creative CIC has been the perfect fit, not just for the team, but more importantly, for the families being supported.
Not looking for a ‘traditional’ office, Alfie’s Squad wanted a base where families felt safe, and where they could invite visitors, funders, and those interested in finding out more about what was being delivered behind the colourful door.
Allison explains,
“An office for us needs to be more than four walls, and we like to think that’s what we’ve created something welcoming. Working closely with teams at 92 Degrees Coffee and Baltic Creative CIC, we’re settled into a space that meets the needs of everyone who encounters Alfie’s Squad. Not only do we have somewhere the children feel settled to enjoy their sessions, but there’s a calmer area for the teenagers, and space for the parents and guardians to support one another over a coffee.”
Working alongside Allison is Operations Manager, Andrea Duggan.
“It feels like we’re part of something bigger being here. We’re surrounded by lots of creative and interesting people, it feels special. Plus you’ve got Terry’s and other tasty food places on our doorstep!”
What’s Next?
Alfie’s Squad has big plans. After recently hosting their first ever fundraising dinner, which raised over £17,000, the team are focused on building the charity’s profile and support to help reach even more families and make sure every young person affected by suicide gets the support they deserve.
As well as promoting our work to families who might benefit from peer support, Alfie’s Squad is always open to chat if you’ve got a fundraising idea to help enhance what we do.
One supporter recently celebrated her 60 th birthday strapped to the top of a plane and soared through the skies to help raise money for us. Not all fundraising ideas need to be so daredevil!
So, whether you know a family they could introduce to others going through the same experience, interested in supporting them or if you want to find out more about what they get up to, get in touch!
