A dream holiday?
A brand new car?
Or finally pay off all that boring stuff?

You could find out for just £1 a week with the Liverpool Community Lottery!

And it’s not just about winning. By playing, you’re also helping The Florrie continue providing activities, opportunities and support for people across our community.

Win big. Support The Florrie. Play for just £1 a week.

Enter now: https://www.liverpoolcommunitylottery.co.uk/support/the-florence-institute-trust

The post The Florrie Community Lottery appeared first on The Florrie.

Gary regularly takes part in activities and events at The Florrie and has seen first hand how important the building is to the community. From music and arts to community groups, youth activities and wellbeing sessions, The Florrie provides a place for people to meet, make friends, learn new skills and feel connected.

For many people, The Florrie plays an important role in tackling loneliness and social isolation, providing a welcoming place to go and opportunities to be part of something.

Now Gary is putting himself through 26.2 miles to help support that work!

We’re incredibly grateful to Gary for choosing to support The Florrie and helping us continue providing vital opportunities for our community.

If you’d like to support Gary’s marathon challenge and help raise money for The Florrie, you can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/262-miles-for-the-florrie

The post Gary Takes on the Chester Marathon for The Florrie appeared first on The Florrie.

Three out of four people who take their own lives are men (75%), according to the Office for National Statistics. Suicide remains the biggest cause of death for men under 50 in England and Wales. Since 2022, Walk Florrie has been supporting men with their mental health through walking, connection and conversation, helping to tackle stigma, reduce isolation and create spaces where people can talk.

Now, as part of the build-up to World Mental Health Day on 10 October, Walk Florrie is asking the wider community to join them for this year’s 24-hour Walkathon.

From 10:30am on Thursday 8 October, Walk Florrie will be walking continuously for 24 hours, with groups leaving The Florrie every four hours and walking through the day and night before the final group returns at 10:30am on Friday 9 October.

But this year, the focus is not just on the Walk Florrie groups. Walk Florrie wants people across the community to get involved by organising their own fundraising walks during the 24-hour period.

You could bring together your work colleagues for a lunchtime walk, get your friends and family out for an evening walk, organise a community group walk or simply take a walk by yourself. It can be one mile or ten, around your local area, workplace, park or anywhere you choose.

You don’t need to be a member of Walk Florrie and you don’t need to come to The Florrie. Just choose a time, get walking and turn your miles into money for men’s mental health.

This year’s walk continues with the theme “Until You’ve Walked a Mile in Someone’s Shoes”, a sombre reminder that we never truly know what someone else may be going through. The Walkathon is about more than raising money. It is about starting conversations, showing solidarity and reminding people that they are #NeverAlone.

Tony Caveney, founder of Walk Florrie, said:

“We want this year’s Walkathon to belong to everyone. You don’t have to walk with us at The Florrie. We want people to organise their own walks, get their mates involved, bring their colleagues together and raise money in whatever way works for them. Every walk is an opportunity to start a conversation and show someone that they’re not alone.”

Walk Florrie is encouraging local businesses, community organisations, charities, workplaces, friends and families to take part. You can join one of the groups leaving The Florrie every four hours, organise your own fundraising walk during the 24 hours, or simply make a donation to support the work.

Every contribution you raise makes a difference. £100 can fund four hours of professional therapy, while £50 can help provide walking shoes or boots for someone who might otherwise be unable to take part. Even £20 can provide emergency food packages or fuel allowance to someone in need.

You can make a donation to support Walk Florrie’s 24 Hour Walkathon here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-walk-for-mens-mental-health

A downloadable sponsorship form is available here for anyone organising their own fundraising walk: https://www.theflorrie.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Sponsorship-Form.pdf

Last year, Walk Florrie walked more than 10,000 miles for men’s wellbeing, even taking its message beyond Liverpool through international walks and awareness trips to Vallecas, Spain and Dingle, Ireland. This year, they want to see those miles multiplied by people taking part in communities across Liverpool and beyond.

We all know someone who has been affected by men’s mental health. This October, Walk Florrie is asking you to take a step, start a conversation, raise some money and show that nobody has to walk alone.

To get involved, organise your own fundraising walk or find out more, contact Tony Caveney tony@theflorrie.org at or pop into The Florrie.

The post Walk Florrie Calls On Liverpool To Walk For Men’s Mental Health appeared first on The Florrie.

This September, one of our incredible supporters, Steve Munby, will be taking on an epic cycling challenge to raise money for The Florrie.

From Friday 25th September to Monday 28th September, Steve will ride the Trans Pennine Trail, which runs from Southport to Hull over four days in support of our work and the people we support.

For more than 135 years, The Florrie has been at the heart of our community, providing a welcoming place where people can connect, learn and thrive. Every week, we support local people through youth activities, creative and cultural programmes, health and wellbeing sessions, community support, food provision, and safe spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Steve is taking on this challenge because he knows just how important The Florrie is to so many people. Every mile he pedals will help raise vital funds so we can continue supporting individuals and families across our community and respond to the growing need for our services.

Whether it’s £5, £10 or more, every donation will make a real difference and help ensure The Florrie can continue changing lives for generations to come.

Support Steve’s Challenge

If you’d like to support Steve on his journey, you can donate via his GoFundMe page below. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help keep The Florrie at the heart of our community for years to come.

Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/steves-bike-ride-for-the-florrie

A huge thank you to Steve for taking on this incredible challenge, and to everyone who supports him along the way. Good luck, Steve. We’ll all be cheering you on!

The post Steve’s Bike Ride for The Florrie appeared first on The Florrie.

A group of men from Liverpool’s Dingle will set off on a powerful international journey this summer, travelling from Dingle to Dingle as part of a community remembrance trip focused on connection, friendship, and men’s mental health.

Departing on 10th July, members of The Florrie’s men’s wellbeing walking group, Walk Florrie, will make the journey in memory of five much-missed members whose friendships, support, and presence helped shape the group into what it is today.

These were not just members of a walking group. They were part of a close-knit community built on trust, honesty, and looking out for one another. Their loss is deeply felt across Walk Florrie, and this journey offers a way to carry their memory forward with purpose. Every step taken on this journey will be in their honour, reflecting the bond they shared and the lasting impact they have had on the group and the wider Florrie community.

The trip is also a fundraiser for The Florrie and Walk Florrie, helping ensure the group can continue supporting men across Liverpool through regular walks, open conversation, and community support.

At the heart of the journey is a simple but powerful message:
Mental Health Knows No Borders
“Níl aon teorainneacha ag baint leis an tsláinte mheabhrach”

Founded at The Florrie in Liverpool’s Dingle, Walk Florrie brings men together each week to walk, talk openly, and look out for one another. What started as a small group has grown into a vital support network that continues to make a real difference in people’s lives.

During the trip, the group will spend two nights in Galway before travelling on to Dingle, where they will connect with local organisations and community members. The visit will include a tour with the Blasket Centre and a wellbeing walk and discussion with a community group from Connemara.

A key aim of the visit is to build a genuine and lasting relationship between the two Dingle communities, showing how something as simple as walking and talking can have a real impact on mental health and wellbeing.

Tony Caveney, founder of Walk Florrie, said:
“This trip means a great deal to all of us at The Florrie. We’re carrying the memory of our fallen brothers with us every step of the way. Going from Dingle to Dingle was a pipe dream that myself and Ian Jones would always talk about on the walks. Sadly, Ian lost his short battle with cancer in July 2025, so we thought it was only right to honour his memory by fulfilling that journey on his anniversary, while also building links between the two Dingle communities. The journey symbolises connection, friendship, and the power of community.”

The trip builds on the success of last year’s visit to Vallecas, where Walk Florrie connected with a working-class community in Madrid to share experiences and build relationships across borders. That visit showed that conversations around mental health and support are shared everywhere.

This year’s journey continues that mission, taking the message even further while raising vital funds to support the future of Walk Florrie and The Florrie.

To support the journey and donate, visit:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/dingle-to-dingle-walk-florrie-community-remembrance-journey

Walk Florrie hopes the trip will honour those they have lost while creating new friendships, strengthening community ties, and leaving a lasting legacy for everyone involved.

The post Walk Florrie to Honour Lost Friends on Dingle to Dingle Journey appeared first on The Florrie.

Lee will take on a massive walk through every Liverpool postcode, from L1 to L40, covering communities across the city to send a powerful message: mental health affects every neighbourhood, and no one should suffer in silence.

The fundraiser is deeply personal for Lee, who has faced significant mental health struggles following the loss of both his parents and a relationship breakdown in 2024.

After reaching crisis point and being admitted to Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Lee began the difficult journey toward recovery. He received life-saving treatment and was later supported by James’ Place on Catherine Street & The Florrie in Liverpool 8, where he was able to open up about his experiences for the first time.

Lee said:

“I’d been crying out to open up to someone but would never ask for help. I saw it as weakness. I now know that asking for help is strength. Walking has given me purpose, discipline and structure. The Florrie and the lads at Walk Florrie have helped me massively with my recovery.

Mental health knows no borders. It affects every community. I know there are men out there like I was, suffering in silence. Please don’t. There is a better way.”

Lee was introduced to The Florrie, a Grade II listed community arts and heritage venue in Liverpool’s L8, where he joined Walk Florrie, a men’s wellbeing group that meets twice weekly to encourage open conversation and connection through walking.

Since joining, Lee says he has found brotherhood, belonging and renewed strength. He now also takes part in additional wellbeing activities at The Florrie.

This is not Lee’s first remarkable fundraiser. In 2025, he completed a non-stop 100,000-step walk in just 13 hours to thank the organisations that supported him in his recovery.

Tony Caveney, who founded Walk Florrie, said:

“When we started Walk Florrie in 2022, it was about creating a safe space for men to talk, move and support one another. Lee embodies exactly what this group is about. His courage in sharing his story and taking on this challenge will inspire others to reach out and realise they are not alone.”

Lee’s postcode walk will begin in the city centre in the early hours of the morning before finishing at The Florrie that evening. Supporters, members of the public and media are encouraged to join Lee for sections of the walk, cheer him on along the route and help spread awareness. For more info email info@theflorrie.org.

Funds raised will support The Florrie’s men’s wellbeing programmes and wider community services.

To donate, visit:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/lees-postcode-walk-for-mens-mental-health

The post Lee’s Postcode Walk for Men’s Mental Health appeared first on The Florrie.

For more than 130 years, The Florrie has been a place where people come together. Today, we work with our community through youth activities, creative and cultural programmes, health and wellbeing sessions, free community support, food provision, and safe, welcoming spaces where people can connect and feel part of something.

The funds raised through this challenge will help us continue delivering these vital activities and supporting individuals and families who rely on The Florrie every week. As demand for community support continues to grow, every donation helps us reach more people and respond where the need is greatest.

You can support our runners and donate here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-florrie-liverpool-half-marathon

Our runners are training hard and pushing themselves to complete 13.1 miles for a cause that truly matters. By donating, you are directly helping people in our community live healthier, happier and more connected lives.

Our Liverpool Half Marathon runners

We want to give a huge shout-out to everyone running for The Florrie so far:

• Michael Foley
• JP Atkinson
• James McLean
• Georgia Sharam
• Terrance Foster
• Kerry O’Brien
• Alia Breeze
• Elliott Clarke

We are incredibly grateful to each of them for taking on this challenge in support of our work.

Running the Liverpool Half Marathon?

If you are taking part this year and haven’t yet chosen a charity, we would love you to consider running for The Florrie. By fundraising for us, your miles will help support real people, right here in our community. Contact us on info@theflorrie.org or pop in and speak to Tony to get involved.

Whether you are donating, sharing this fundraiser, or running alongside our team, thank you for your support. It means the world to us and helps us continue making a positive difference in people’s lives.

The post Florrie Runners Take on the Liverpool Half Marathon to Support Our Community appeared first on The Florrie.

This Christmas, The Wood are spreading festive cheer and supporting a great cause with their special new release, “Benoit’s Christmas.” Every donation from the single goes directly to keeping The Florrie’s free community activities running.

For over 130 years, The Florrie has been at the heart of Liverpool, offering creative, social, and wellbeing programmes for people of all ages. From youth workshops to adult classes, from music and art to social meet-ups, The Florrie provides vital opportunities for the community at no cost. These free activities are currently at risk, and this fundraiser will help protect them for the future.

The track is a heartfelt cover of “Benoit’s Christmas” by The Pale Fountains, a Liverpool classic reimagined in support of a place that means so much to the city.

You can listen to and download the song on The Florrie Bandcamp page with a suggested donation of £1.50. Donations above this amount are very welcome, and every contribution helps keep The Florrie’s programmes free and accessible.

Support The Florrie this Christmas and help ensure the community continues to thrive.

The post The Wood Release Christmas Single to Support The Florrie appeared first on The Florrie.

On Thursday 11 December 2025 The Big Guitar-In Fundraiser is back for the 5th time. Its goal is to raise urgent funds to Save The Florrie’s Free Community classes and provide the opportunity for 100s of amazing guitarists to perform together in Mountford Hall, including many young stars of the future. The unique and record-breaking event once more brings everyone together for one incredible night of music, community and celebration and fund-raising. Last year a new record was set with 602 guitarists performing together. This year the target is to beat this by one, with 603 guitarists strumming side by side.

Leading into the Big Guitar-In, The Florrie faces rising utility costs, fewer grants, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and a rapidly growing number of people needing social support has pushed the Community Classes’ availability to the limit. The Florrie’s Community Classes are a vital lifeline for the people of their community and wider region, helping them to learn essential skills, get active, fight social isolation and build new friendships. They also connect people of all backgrounds with wider support from their community.

Timo Tierney, Community Hub Co-ordinator & Organiser of The Big Guitar-In Fundraiser, says: “The Big Guitar-In is about so much more than music. It’s about people coming together, celebrating community and showing the power we have when we unite. To see hundreds of guitarists and singers from all ages and backgrounds filling a hall with sound is truly magical. This year we’re especially proud to give young Liverpool artists the chance to shine on a stage with so much history, while also raising vital funds to save The Florrie’s Community Classes – this is something I started myself at The Florrie almost ten years ago with our guitar classes and it’s grown ever since. It’s going to be a wonderful night nobody forgets, so please give us your support us by buying a ticket to perform, watch the magic in the audience or by making a donation to support us.”  

This year for the first time The Big Guitar-In Fundraiser is taking over Liverpool’s famous Mountford Hall. The venue has hosted some of the world’s biggest names including Queen, The Who and local lad Elvis Costello. Now hundreds of aspiring guitarists will get the chance to tick off their bucket list by saying they’ve performed on the same stage as their idols.

2025s spotlight is firmly fixed on Liverpool’s incredible young talent, with rising stars Ellis Murphy, Louis Gibney, Credits, The Sway and Olga Fitz leading the way, joined by established favourites Space, Crowded Scouse, Brian Nash (Frankie Goes to Hollywood) and a host of special guests still to be announced. Also performing are the brilliant 601 ½ Choir who formed from members of other local choirs under the guidance of John Finnigan who featured in past Big Guitar-In events.

The young artists will be front and centre this year, leading performances of legendary Liverpool hits Nothing Lasts Forever (Echo & The Bunnymen) & Comedy (Shack), as well as Space performing their classic Neighbourhood. Topped with surprise moments and guest performances throughout the evening.

The Big Guitar-In Fundraiser is for everyone an inclusive not exclusive event in true Florrie spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just learning your first few chords, you are welcome to be part of this unforgettable event. The Florrie Guitar Group meets every Tuesday at 6pm and new members of all abilities are encouraged to join and learn in time for December.

Tickets are available now for both guitarists bringing their acoustic guitar to take part and for a very limited number of spectators who want to experience the atmosphere from the audience. Early bird tickets have already sold out and the rest are going quickly – if you want to be part of it, make sure to grab yours soon.

Tickets are available via Skiddle: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Liverpool/Mountford-Hall/The-Big-Guitar-In-at-Mountford-Hall/41159754/

If you’re unable to attend, please Donate what you can to Save The Florrie’s Community Classes: https://gofund.me/8f8f91837

The post The Big Guitar-In Fundraiser Returns at Mountford Hall appeared first on The Florrie.