Welcome to Alfie's Arc
At Alfie's Arc, we are a family-run Community Interest Organisation located in Waterlooville, Hampshire. Our mission is to support our community through food parcels, mental health support, and various community-based initiatives. We are named after Alfie, the son of one of our founders, who sadly passed away at the age of 9. The Arc is the start of a circle, a beginning, but with the support of others and those with whom we help, will continue to grow and complete the circle constantly going forward.
We started with a great idea and a deep passion.
WHAT WE DO
Providing essential groceries to all without the need of a referral for a donation.
Helping to combat the food waste epidemic in the UK whilst supporting the local community.
Tailored mental health support including signposting, advice and support groups in a compassionate and safe environment to encourage socialisation, inclusion and mental wellbeing and reduce isolation.
Providing food items to the residents of assisted living accommodations, Hostels, Homeless Shelters and rough Sleepers at Salvation Army, Two Saints and Society of saint James premises.
Who was Alfie?
Alfie Cowley was born on 31 May 2008 in St Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth to our Director Lianne (Boo) Hutchins (was Cowley). Alfie was an extremely bright and energetic little boy always polite and very well mannered, Alfie never thought twice about helping others and was always making people laugh with his jokes and wicked sense of humour.
Sadly in March 2015 he was diagnosed with a very rare form of brain cancer just before he turned 7 years old after suffering debilitating stabbing pains in his head for a few weeks. For 2 years and 3 months he underwent 6 brain surgeries, 9 lumber punctures on his spine, completed radiotherapy daily for 3 months at Southampton General Hospital and even went to Oklahoma, USA for proton beam therapy for 3 months. Unfortunately due to the aggressive nature of this type of Cancer it regrew in another part of his brain (the brain stem) and spread to his spine which became incurable.
Even through all of the trauma and agony that Alfie went through he still kept a smile on his face and thanked staff whilst performing difficult and painful tasks on him using his famous quote "Get it done and it's done". He spent most of his time in Hospital caring about the other kids making sure they were happy and often insisted the Nurses went to them before him.
Alfie sadly passed away after his battle against this terrible illness on 24th June 2017, 4 weeks after his 9th Birthday in his bed at home with his Mum, Sister and Gran at his side.
Due to his charitable nature and caring ways we felt it was right to name our organisation after him and in honour of him because if he was still here he would be leading the way in all that we do.
His little Sister Maisy has followed in his footsteps with her compassion and empathy for others and is an integral part of Alfie's Arc, carrying the torch on behalf of her big Brother by helping in all aspects of what we do.
Alfie showed strength and resilience, always looking forward and never backing down from what needed to be done no matter how hard it was, this is the ethos we at Alfie's Arc abide by and always will.
"GET IT DONE AND IT'S DONE"
Frequently Asked Questions
“Thank you once more for the donation today, it really is appreciated.”
Two saints - Hope House 18th May 2024
"Thank you so much for your kind donations to Kingsway House. Our clients who access the rough sleeping hub and also Kingsway House hostel really benefit from and appreciate your donations."
B.Alder - Service Manager - Portsmouth 31st July 2024
"Thank you all so much for your kind donations to our service yesterday. It was lovely to meet you."
"I just wanted to reach out to say thank you for the food deliveries you make to Brent House. It is really appreciated and helps our clients out a lot."
Meet our team
Carl Hutchins
Founder
Lianne Hutchins
Director
Maisy Hutchins
Youth Co-ordinator
Contact and Directions
Contact us
Reach out to us for more information or to get involved with our community initiatives.
Location
Alfie's Arc
Waterlooville, Hampshire, UK
Contact: 07904068003 / 07747708848
About us
Alfie's Arc is a family-run Community Interest Organisation based in Waterlooville, Hampshire. Our mission is to support our community through a range of services, including food parcels, mental health support, and various community initiatives. We believe in the power of compassion, understanding, and collective effort to make a positive impact. Our food parcel service provides essential groceries to those in need, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food. Our mental health support includes counselling, support groups, and workshops aimed at providing a safe and understanding environment for individuals facing mental health challenges. Our community initiatives bring people together through local events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities, fostering a sense of belonging and strengthening community bonds. At Alfie's Arc, we are dedicated to making a difference in our community, one act of kindness at a time.