Volunteer Activities Co-ordinator

Location: Opportunities available in Mid Cornwall, North Cornwall, East Cornwall and South Cornwall
Organisation: Gunners Kids CIC
Position: Volunteer Activities Coordinator
Volunteer Role: Flexible hours, primarily during scheduled activity days and event preparation. Please note Activity days will take place on weekends and school holidays.

About Gunners Kids CIC:

Gunners Kids CIC is a not for profit committed to supporting families in Cornwall where a parent or caregiver is facing a terminal illness. Our mission is to help families make the most of the time they have left together by providing meaningful activities, workshops, and peer support in a safe and welcoming environment. We aim to offer emotional relief, strengthen family bonds, and create positive, lasting memories for children and their families during incredibly challenging times.

Role Summary:

As a Volunteer Activities Coordinator, you will play a key role in the planning, coordination, and execution of activity days and events designed to support families coping with the terminal illness of a parent or caregiver. You will work closely with our team to ensure that families have access to fun, engaging, and meaningful activities that help reduce stress, foster connection, and create cherished memories.

Your role is critical in helping families maintain a sense of normalcy during times of emotional strain, and to ensure that children and parents can participate in activities that provide joy, and support. You will be a welcoming presence, supporting the logistics of activities and fostering an atmosphere of kindness and understanding.

Key Responsibilities:

• Activity Planning and Coordination:
  • Assist in the planning and preparation of activity days, ensuring a range of suitable, engaging activities for both children and adults.
  • Work with the team to create activity schedules, order supplies, and ensure activities are inclusive, accessible, and appropriate for all ages and abilities.
  • Liaise with external partners, vendors, or venues as needed to ensure the smooth delivery of events.
• Event Execution:
  • Support on-site during activity days, assisting with the setup, coordination, and facilitation of activities.
  • Ensure that activities run smoothly, with participants receiving the necessary support and guidance.
  • Help manage group dynamics, ensuring that everyone is included and feels comfortable.
• Family Support:
  • Provide a supportive, empathetic presence for families during activity days, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment.
  • Be available to speak with families, offer assistance, and address any specific needs or concerns that arise during the event.
  • Support the development of peer support networks, encouraging families to connect and share experiences.
• Health and Safety:
  • Adhere to all health and safety guidelines, ensuring that activities are safe and appropriate for the families involved.
  • Ensure that all necessary risk assessments and safeguarding procedures are in place and followed.
• Communication and Teamwork:
  • Work closely with the core team, including staff and other volunteers, to ensure that all roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and that communication remains effective.
  • Help foster a positive and collaborative environment within the volunteer team, promoting teamwork and mutual support.
• Administrative Support:
  • Assist with the collection of feedback from families to help improve future activity days.
  • Maintain accurate records related to activities, attendance, and any follow-up actions required.
  • Help with general administration tasks related to event preparation and planning.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Lived experience is preferred but not essential
• Previous experience working with children, families, or vulnerable individuals is preferred but not required.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and coordinate events in a calm and efficient manner.
• Empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by families affected by terminal illness.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with both children and adults.
• A collaborative team player who is flexible and willing to support others.
• Ability to work in a sensitive and respectful manner, maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding at all times.

Key Attributes:

• Compassionate, empathetic, and patient.
• Reliable, trustworthy, and responsible.
• Positive, proactive, and adaptable.
• A genuine passion for making a difference in the lives of families facing terminal illness.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families in Cornwall.
• A chance to be part of a supportive and passionate team.
• Access to training and development opportunities.
• Travel expenses reimbursed (within reasonable limits).
• The satisfaction of knowing you are helping families create lasting memories during difficult times.

How to Apply:

Please submit your application, including a brief cover letter detailing your interest in the role and any relevant experience, along with your CV. For more information about the role or our work, please contact us at tamsin@gunnerskids.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

This role is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who wants to give back to their community and support families facing challenging circumstances. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.