Hello! we’re CAN
The Community Action Network
We want to ensure local communities are strong, healthy, diverse and thriving.
We cover the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and the Dorset Council areas
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
We cover the BCP Council and the Dorset Council areas

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
Wimborne Community Centre presents … The Community Lounge and Kitchen
Working together with local volunteers this is a community initiative operating solely for public benefit
Hope for Food Recognized as October’s Community Heroes in the Spotlight for World Food Day Amidst UK’s Cost of Living Crisis
On October 16th, a day globally observed as World Food Day, we turn our attention to a remarkable local charity, Hope for Food.
Hammersley Homes celebrates after being awarded over £300,000 in National Lottery funding
Hamersley Homes is celebrating being awarded £327,062 over three years, in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.
Upcoming Training and Events
Network for Poole
Network for Poole
CAN invite all voluntary and community sector groups in the Poole area to come together at our virtual network
Business Planning Basics
Business Planning Basics
In this 2 hour course our Senior Advisor, Steve Place, will give you ideas and tools to help develop a plan and go away with an action plan for next steps.
Network for Groups Supporting Women
Network for Groups Supporting Women
Bringing together a network of organisations who’ll collaborate for women's health, security and equity
Our Most Recent Community Heroes
The Story Works
Community Action Network select The Story Works as their Community Heroes in the Spotlight for September.
The Chatterboxes
Our theme for Community Heroes in the Spotlight this month is International Youth Day, 12th August. Our winners are The Chatterboxes.
Uplift Women. Uplift Society.
Inara Project - empowering the women around us with opportunities and life changing moments