A CORNWALL charity is reaching out to the local community for help in finding a new base as it continues to grow and support families across the Duchy.

Gunners Kids CIC provides activities and support for families with children when a parent, carer or close family member has a terminal illness. The charity was named Rising Star at the UK StartUp Awards in June.

However, it has outgrown its current storage space in Tywardreath and is hoping to find new premises in St Austell or surrounding Mid Cornwall area to maintain its central location. The organisation is seeking a small piece of land with room for a storage container, parking and a future sensory garden; and an office or small unit with storage space and a welcoming area where workshops, family support sessions, volunteer meetings and activities could take place.

"We're so grateful that more families are finding us and accessing the support they need," said Gunners Kids director Tamsin Chapman-Gunner, who founded the organisation following the death of her husband, Chris, from cancer in 2024.

“It's wonderful to see the difference we're making, but it also means we've reached the point where our garage can no longer hold everything we need. We'd love to find a space that can grow with us and help us continue supporting local families.”

As a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), Gunners Kids is hoping to pay a peppercorn rent to ensure as much funding as possible goes directly towards supporting children and families.

The organisation may also be able to apply for grant funding to lease or purchase a suitable space. This would require an agreement in principle from a landowner who would be prepared to work alongside the CIC during the application.

To find out more or discuss a possible space, email Tamsin at [email protected] or visit www.gunnerskids.org