As we mark World Suicide Prevention Day this month, it is an important opportunity to reflect on the impact suicide has on individuals, families and communities, and to recognise the importance of support, compassion and prevention.
With that in mind, this October, two familiar faces from Liverpool City Council, Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health and Anne Marie Lubanski, Deputy CEO, will be stepping outside their comfort zones to take part in ‘Alfie’s Squad’s Race For A Reason 2026’.
Matt said “We spend time working together across Cheshire and Merseyside supporting and promoting mental health and suicide prevention initiatives. When the opportunity arose to turn that commitment into something practical by raising awareness, raising funds and taking on a challenge together, it felt like something we simply couldn’t pass up.”
Alfie’s Squad, an independent charity based in Liverpool, provides vital support to children and young people aged six to 17, and their families, who have been bereaved by suicide. The charity delivers the only peer support groups of their kind in the UK specifically for children affected by suicide bereavement.
Anne Marie said “Behind every suicide statistic is a person, a family and often children whose lives have been changed forever. The support offered by organisations like Alfie’s Squad can make a profound difference during some of the most difficult times imaginable. We’re looking forward to the challenge itself, the teamwork and the healthy competition! Most importantly, however, we hope to shine a spotlight on the incredible work Alfie’s Squad does and help ensure they can continue providing support to families when they need it most.”
How You Can Help
If you’re able to support Matt and Anne Marie, even the smallest donation will help Alfie’s Squad continue its invaluable work with children and families affected by suicide bereavement. Please visit the donation page here. If making a donation isn’t possible, helping raise awareness of the charity is equally appreciated.
