Following the launch of the permanent Kicking Off Conversations hub at Anfield, run by the club’s official charity, LFC Foundation, and LFC safeguarding team, a new initiative created by Liverpool-based suicide bereavement support charity Alfie's Squad, is now being introduced to provide further support for fans who may require assistance inside the stadium.

Liverpool FC is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for every supporter who attends Anfield. As part of that commitment and in collaboration with Alfie's Squad, Support Around the Seat is a new welfare focused initiative designed to provide practical support, guidance and signposting to supporters who may be experiencing difficult circumstances inside the stadium and will be launched at the Liverpool vs Brighton fixture on Sunday at Anfield.

Football is about more than what happens on the pitch. For many supporters, Anfield is a community, a routine and a source of connection. Support Around the Seat recognises that from time-to-time fans may face challenges that affect their matchday experience, attendance or wellbeing.

As part of the launch, Alfie's Squad will be present in the fan zone for the men's fixture and on the North Stand concourse for the women’s fixture to help raise awareness of the initiative and Alfie’s Squad. They will also deliver a number of supporter engagement and activation activities.

There will also be a Support Around the Seat banner featured on the Supporter Hub, and Safeguarding Response Stewards will have Support Around the Seat cards to distribute to supporters requiring support, guidance or signposting.

What is Support Around the Seat?

Support Around the Seat is a support pathway that enables Liverpool FC to identify and respond to welfare concerns, ensuring supporters can access the right help at the right time. The initiative brings together the expertise of Alfie's Squad, matchday stewards, supporter services, ticketing team and the club's safeguarding team to signpost to support where appropriate.

Stage 1: Matchday Support and Signposting

On matchdays, specially trained response stewards will be able to provide immediate assistance to supporters who may require additional welfare support. Where appropriate, supporters will receive the ‘Support around the seat’ signposting card, and a conversation in the Kicking off Conversations hub about services available that may be able to help.

Stage 2: Supporting Fans

The initiative will help identify supporters who could benefit from additional support. Where identified, fans will be contacted and signposting or information provided where appropriate, and with consideration of individual circumstances, referral to the Safeguarding Team for further support.

Stage 3: Bereavement Support

The Club understands the significant impact bereavement can have on supporters, families and fellow fans. Support Around the Seat aims to provide compassionate support and guidance. The initiative also recognises that the loss of a long-standing supporter may affect those who have sat around them in the stadium.

A club-wide commitment

Support Around the Seat reflects Liverpool FC's commitment to supporter wellbeing both on and off the pitch. The programme is not designed to replace specialist services, but to ensure that supporters and families are connected with the most appropriate help when it is needed. By working together across matchday operations, supporter services, ticketing and safeguarding, the Club hopes to strengthen the support available to fans and continue fostering the sense of community that makes Anfield unique.

For more information about Support Around the Seat, supporters can contact Liverpool FC through the usual Club channels or visit Alfie’s squad here.