The Florence Institute, affectionately known as The Florrie, has stood proudly in the heart of Liverpool 8 for 135 years. As a Grade II listed Victorian gem, our historic building is not just an architectural treasure but a vital cultural and community hub for the people of Liverpool and Merseyside. However, maintaining a building of such significance comes with its challenges—and we need your help.
If you’ve visited The Florrie recently, you’ll have noticed the scaffolding that has surrounded our beloved building. Repairs began last year to the copings on the gable ends and a condition survey has revealed the building needs re-pointing and other repairs to the gymnasium roof. These essential works have already been a significant financial undertaking for our charity, and it is important we act now to ensure our heritage is not ‘at risk’ again.
Today we are launching our 2025 fundraiser, ‘The Florrie Preservation Campaign’.
Throughout the year, all our fundraising efforts and activities will be dedicated to raising the vital funds needed to complete these repairs.
“The Florrie is more than just a building; it’s a lifeline for so many people, but maintaining a Grade II listed building such as The Florrie is expensive and these repairs and an ongoing maintenance program are critical to ensuring we can continue our work and keep The Florrie thriving as a space for everyone”
– Anne Lundon, CEO of The Florrie
How You Can Help:
We’re calling on all our friends, supporters, and the wider community to come together and get involved in our 2025 fundraiser, helping us preserve this iconic building.
Here’s how you can make a difference.
• Make a Donation: Every pound helps us get closer to our goal. You can donate directly to our campaign at https://gofund.me/49171b85
• Text to Donate: Just text ‘Florrie’ followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70085.
• Join Our Fundraising Events: We’ve got a packed calendar of activities this year—all in support of The Florrie. Stay tuned for announcements!
• Spread the Word: Share our story with your friends, family, and networks. The more people who know about our mission, the closer we’ll get to reaching our goal.
• Fundraise for us: eg, run a marathon – for ideas & inspiration on fundraising for The Florrie head to www.theflorrie.org/fundraise
Images of scaffolding up around The Florrie & damage on the gable ends:
Introducing Our First Fundraiser: Walk Florrie Goes International
Our first major fundraiser of the year is Walk Florrie Goes International: Connecting Communities in Vallecas, Spain! This March, The Florrie Men’s Wellbeing Group, fondly known as Walk Florrie, will embark on a groundbreaking journey to Vallecas, Madrid. This trip marks the group’s first international venture and promises to be a huge occasion for cultural exchange, shared expertise, and raising awareness about men’s mental health on a global scale.
Twelve members of Walk Florrie will head to Vallecas to collaborate with a social hub similar to The Florrie, sharing their experiences and helping to establish a men’s wellbeing group in the area. Together, they will walk, talk, and shine a light on the universal importance of mental health support.
Building on The Florrie’s rich legacy of cultural exchange and personal growth, this trip underscores the shared challenges and solidarity between communities in Liverpool and Vallecas. It’s an inspiring example of how initiatives like Walk Florrie not only transform lives locally but also resonate globally.
This trip will also highlight the need for ongoing support for The Florrie. Donations raised will safeguard the future of our iconic building while enabling life-changing initiatives like this to continue.
Together, we can ensure The Florrie’s doors stay open for generations to come. Your generosity will help preserve this historic gem and the services that so many in our community rely on every day.
Thank you for standing with us and supporting this vital cause. For more information and updates on our fundraiser, visit www.theflorrie.org/2025/01/14/walk-florrie-goes-international/