Who we are
Gunners Kids CIC is committed to supporting families in Cornwall with children when a parent, caregiver or close family member is facing a terminal illness. Our goal is to help families make the most of the time they have left together and to provide them with the necessary tools and
support during this difficult period. Our vision is to enable families to create lasting memories with their loved ones by offering activities, workshops, information, and peer support in a safe, understanding, and welcoming environment.
What we do
We provide:
- Activity Days
- Memory Making Workshops
- Information
- Peer Support
- Support Boxes for Children
- Drop in Sessions
Why we do what we do
When someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness, both the individual and their loved ones experience grief and loss even before the person passes away. This anticipatory grief can persist for days, weeks, months and even years, depending on the duration of the illness. Anticipatory grief can provoke intense emotions, especially in children, often leaving them shocked, confused, frightened, and worried. These feelings can result in a loss of interest in activities, appetite changes, and sleep disturbances. At Gunners Kids CIC, we want to help children maintain their childhood during these challenging times.
When someone is terminally ill, finding the time and money for family activities can be challenging. Daily life is consumed with appointments, managing equipment, and caring for the ill person, often alongside work responsibilities, leaving little time for family life. At Gunners Kids
CIC, we strive to support the entire family in creating memories and spending quality time together.
The loss of a parent is considered an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE), which can lead to emotional and physical challenges later in life. Providing support can significantly mitigate these negative effects. By offering activities for families, we create opportunities for lasting memories
and give children and their families a much-needed break from daily struggles. Engaging in these activities alongside other families fosters a sense of peer support for both children and their parents or caregivers.
Memory-building activities allow families to create keepsakes for when their loved one has passed away. Unfortunately, many families facing such challenges often lack the time or energy to organise these activities themselves, as their lives are often consumed by just getting through
the day. At Gunners Kids, we aim to offer these meaningful opportunities, helping families create memories that extend beyond hospitals and illness.
Living with a terminal illness can lead to people feeling isolated, this can be for many reasons. They may find it hard to talk to people, especially about their illness, or they may be coping with physical changes brought on by their condition. At Gunners Kids CIC, we aim to bring families
together, creating a supportive community where they can connect and share experiences with others facing similar challenges. Through peer support, we hope to foster a sense of understanding, comfort, and strength among families during these difficult times.