Gunners Kids launches crowdfunding campaign to expand vital support for families facing terminal illness

Local non-profit Gunners Kids CIC has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help expand its services by providing specialist therapeutic support for children and families affected by terminal illness.

The funding will be used to train members of the Gunners Kids team in specialist counselling skills, enabling the organisation to offer therapeutic support alongside its existing peer support services for families experiencing anticipatory grief.

Gunners Kids CIC was founded to address the lack of understanding and support available for children when a parent, carer or close family member is diagnosed with a terminal illness. The organisation currently provides support boxes, activity days, school support, outreach services, information sessions and drop-in groups, helping families feel less alone during one of the most challenging times in their lives.

The new project aims to bridge a significant gap in support. Access to counselling can involve long waiting lists or costly private sessions, yet families facing terminal illness often need help immediately. By investing in specialist training, Gunners Kids CIC will be able to provide timely, compassionate, person-centred therapeutic support when it matters most.

The organisation also hopes to build a team of trained volunteer practitioners, allowing even more families across the county to access specialist emotional support without financial barriers.

A spokesperson for Gunners Kids CIC said: “When a parent or someone close to a child is living with a terminal illness, every day matters. Families shouldn’t have to wait months for emotional support or struggle to afford private counselling. This campaign will help us provide professional therapeutic support alongside the trusted services we already offer, ensuring children and families receive the help they need at the time they need it most.”

To encourage community support, the crowdfunding campaign includes a range of rewards for donors. These include vouchers from local businesses, a professional photography session with Elizabeth Melvin Photography, advertising opportunities for businesses, and entry into prize draws to win a Decathlon voucher or a Pamper & Prosecco evening.

The non profit is also inviting local businesses to donate rewards for supporters or sponsor the campaign, helping maximise the funds raised while showcasing their support for local families.

There are several ways the community can get involved:

• • Make a donation through the crowdfunding campaign.

• • Share the campaign on social media to help spread the word.

• • Donate rewards or prizes if you are a local business.

• • Organise your own fundraising event in support of Gunners Kids CIC.

Every contribution will help bring specialist therapeutic support to children and families navigating the emotional impact of terminal illness and anticipatory grief.

For more information, to donate or to support the campaign, visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/gunners-kids-1

For more information on Gunners Kids CIC visit www.gunnerskids.org or email tamsin@gunnerskids.org