When Alfie Fitzsimmons was just eight-years-old, he faced a devastating loss: his father died by suicide. Confused, isolated and blaming himself, Alfie struggled to find support.
Now 16, he has transformed his experience into hope for others through Alfie’s Squad, a charity he founded with his mother, Allison Furlong, to help children and young people who have experienced bereavement.
Having now expanded into Greater Manchester, we look at what the service can offer to those in need this Children’s Grief Awareness Week (17-23 November).
“Meeting someone who has been through the same thing lifted the loneliness I’d felt for so long,” recalls Alfie, who inspired the creation of Alfie’s Squad.
First opening its doors in Liverpool, it offers peer support groups where children can connect with others who understand their experiences.
The charity emphasises that grieving has no set timeline, and children need reassurance, consistency, and a safe space to express themselves.
The sessions combine fun activities with meaningful support, while parents and caregivers have their own space to meet others and access guidance.
In October, the charity opened a new hub at the Bolton Lads and Girls Club – which any child or young person across Greater Manchester can attend. For those who can’t, whether due to distance, health or other circumstances, online peer support groups run every other week.
Allison says creating an environment where families feel supported, not judged, is key. “The first thing I tell parents is don’t feel like you have to have all the answers. You’re grieving too. The most important thing you can do is be present, keep communication honest, and let your child set the pace.”
She adds that being truthful in an age-appropriate way is vital. “Children bereaved by suicide grieve differently. They pick up far more than adults realise. Being open helps them navigate that grief safely.”
Alfie’s Squad works closely with schools, mental health services, and community organisations, ensuring families get the collaborative support they need as bereaved children are more at risk of dying by suicide in the years that follow.
Allison urges all parents who are dealing with a bereaved child that they should never be afraid to ask for help “We help fill the gap where other services can’t reach, specialising in children bereaved by even as a small charity, collaboration helps us make sure families never feel like they’re navigating this alone. The priority is the child, young person and their family.” Allison explains.
As for Alfie, now a young advocate for suicide bereaved children, he continues to share the message he wishes he’d heard at eight years old: “It wasn’t your fault, and you are not alone.”
Children’s Bereavement Week, marked nationally each November, aims to raise awareness of the unique challenges young people face after a loss. It highlights the importance of age-appropriate support, open conversations and access to specialist services, values at the heart of Alfie’s Squad.
The week serves as a reminder that children’s grief is often invisible, but with charities like Alfie’s Squad, no young person has to face bereavement alone.
Visit our service finder for more bereavement services across Greater Manchester.
