Volunteer Outreach Support

Role Description: Volunteer Outreach Support

Location: Opportunities available in Mid Cornwall, North Cornwall, East Cornwall and South Cornwall
Organisation: Gunners Kids CIC
Position: Volunteer Outreach Support
Volunteer Role: Flexible hours.

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 Outreach Support, you will play a vital role in providing phone or in-person support to families who are coping with the terminal illness of a parent or caregiver. You will offer a compassionate and understanding presence, ensuring that families have access to emotional support, practical assistance, and resources that help alleviate stress and create a sense of connection during a difficult time. You will work closely with our team to ensure families receive the care they need, offering a listening ear, encouragement, and guidance as they navigate their challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

Outreach and Support:

• Offer phone or in-person emotional support to families, listening to their concerns and offering encouragement.
• Provide information about available resources, services, and community support to help meet the family’s needs.
• Assist with any immediate needs or practical challenges the family may be facing, including connecting them to other services or programs.

Family Engagement:

• Build rapport with families, creating a trusting and empathetic relationship to ensure they feel comfortable reaching out for support.
• Check in with families regularly to offer continued support, assess their emotional well-being, and offer a listening ear during times of need.
• Help connect families with peer support networks and encourage participation in community events, fostering a sense of belonging.

Health and Safety:

• Ensure the safety and comfort of families by following appropriate safety guidelines when providing in-person support.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to safeguarding procedures to protect the well-being of the families you are supporting.

Communication and Teamwork:

• Work closely with the outreach team, ensuring consistent communication and coordination of support efforts.
• Share important feedback with the core team to ensure ongoing improvement of the program and its services.

Administrative Support:

• Help maintain accurate records of family interactions, including notes on needs, services provided, and any follow-up actions required.
• Assist with gathering feedback from families to improve the quality of outreach services and ensure families' needs are being met effectively.

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.
• 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.