Cornwall VSF appoints Engagement Director
2 September 2024
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Matthew Kenworthy Gomes as our new Engagement Director.
Matthew will be known to many as the CEO of Cornwall Pride where he’s developed the organisation over the past 10 years to be one of the leading inclusion charities, transforming the lives of the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, empowering and uniting communities across Cornwall.
Matthew will be joining the senior leadership team here at Cornwall VSF and taking responsibility for our external engagement work including the management of thematic alliances and strategic stakeholder relationships across the VCSE and public sector partners.
“I am so excited to welcome Matthew to our team. He brings with him a wealth of experience in the engagement space as well as networks and connections across the VCSE sector and wider partners.”
Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum
I am truly excited to be joining Cornwall VSF as the new Engagement Director. My journey in supporting engagement and inclusion in Cornwall has only really just started, and I look forward to bringing that same passion and commitment to this new role. I’m looking forward to working closely with all the diverse communities and stakeholders across Cornwall, driving meaningful collaboration and ensuring that the voices of the voluntary sector are heard and respected. Together, we can create stronger, more resilient communities that truly reflect Cornwall and the values we hold
As the Engagement Director role is four days per week, Matthew will continue to have a role with Cornwall Pride, watch this space for details!
Matthew Kenworthy-Gomes biography
For many in our communities, Pride is the only day of the year they feel safe. Marginalised communities have the hardest human challenges, so we need to make this our priority.
I love humans…for who they are, how they can be, and how they want to be. I love our own fears. I love the endless crisis that can be opportunities.
I want every single person to be included in those opportunities, so it doesn’t matter where you’re born, you’re not challenged by the lack of education or food, and you are able to live a safe, inclusive fun, exciting life with cultural elements of music and different foods all around you with understanding that difference is what makes humanity.
With over two decades of dedication to LGBTQ+ activism and support, I have made a meaningful impact on communities by uplifting and empowering them. My journey began by providing support to Legacy, one of Cornwall’s earliest LGBTQ+ youth groups. This led me to participate in significant events such as performing at the inaugural Cornwall Pride and engaging in Cardiff Prides. Additionally, I have served as a trustee for the UK Pride Network.
Currently, I hold the position of trustee at Black Voices Cornwall for the past two years, while also being an integral part of Cornwall Pride for the last eight years and CEO for the last 3. Cornwall Pride is more than just a one-day celebration. It operates with a clear vision and purpose. Guided by our core values of “Love Who You Want To Love” and “Be Who You Want To Be,” our aim is to inspire communities to champion a Hate Free Cornwall. We strive to unite and empower individuals, creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can embrace their authentic selves.