Hello! we’re CAN
The Community Action Network
We want to ensure local communities are strong, healthy, diverse and thriving.
CAN supports volunteering across Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, and wider Dorset with our colleagues at Volunteer Centre Dorset.
Our values underpin everything we do – Our mission is to EMPOWER, ENABLE and CONNECT communities. This is our ultimate purpose. It defines what we aim to achieve every day, through every decision we make.
EMPOWER I ENABLE I CONNECT
CAN supports volunteering across Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, and wider Dorset with our colleagues at Volunteer Centre Dorset.

We provide professional and practical tools to help build and grow charities and community organisations through advice, guidance, high quality training and by facilitating collaboration.

We support and champion volunteers to promote the incredible value of volunteering. We also provide a platform for promoting volunteering opportunities and sharing good practice – our Volunteering Hub

The voluntary sector makes an amazing difference to the local community, and we believe it deserves a bigger voice. We provide a network for connecting organisations and speak up on behalf of our sector.

Latest News
We Are With You drop in sessions
We Are With You hold drop-in sessions where anyone can come and speak with one of their team members about housing-related or drug and alcohol support issues.
Are you offering support to children and young people and their families?
We are working with the BCP Homelessness Partnership and the Access to Food Partnership to identify where there may be gaps in provision of support.
Trustees’ Survey – can you help?
Complete the short survey to inform our work in serving the amazing folks of Dorset who give their time to support local charities.
Upcoming Training and Events
Volunteer Coordinators Meeting – Postponed
Volunteer Coordinators Meeting - Postponed
What have you always wanted to know about being a Volunteer Coordinator? Come along and ask questions at our Volunteer Coordinators Meeting.
DBS Online Workshop – Eligibility for DBS checks
DBS Online Workshop - Eligibility for DBS checks
Join Mel Berry, the Regional Outreach Adviser from the Disclosure and Barring Service, for a free Eligibility for DBS Checks workshop.
Outcomes & Impact Measurement
Outcomes & Impact Measurement
CAN Senior Advisor, Steve Place, will provide an overview of how to define your outcomes, measure them and establish a framework.
Our Most Recent Community Heroes
Sex With A Difference
SWAD enable disabled people, their partners, and carers, to access services relating to intimacy and sexuality, which includes sexual and reproductive healthcare.
Community Heroes in the Spotlight for November – we have seven of them!
To celebrate International Men’s Day on 19th November we’re highlighting the support local organisations offer to men. Here’s an overview of seven different groups – please contact them to find out more.
Hope For Food
It’s World Food Day on 16th October and Community Action Network have voted for Hope For Food to be our Community Heroes in the Spotlight.