Alfie's Squad gives bereaved families room for friendship and fun

For Kush Burman, the most valuable part of Alfie's Squad is that time together makes room for fun and life as well as grief. The Liverpool charity supported his family after his stepdad died by suicide.

Now 20, the Race Across the World winner has become an ambassador for the group. He describes it as a community, drawing on the support he, his mum and brothers received.

Alfie’s Squad offers free weekly peer groups in Liverpool, mainly for children aged six to 17. Shared activities help young people meet others with similar experiences, while parents and carers have their own space to connect.

The service provides peer support rather than counselling. Families need a referral, which they can make themselves. Kush's testimony describes personal value; it does not measure the programme's effect across everyone attending.

The practical idea is straightforward: make connection easier through regular time together, so a family facing bereavement has people who understand and space for ordinary enjoyment.

Sources

• BBC News — Race Across the World star hopes to help others affected by suicide
• Alfie's Squad — Suicide bereavement support for children in Liverpool