Strengthening support for children, young people, and families across the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole areas.

We bring together voluntary organisations, community groups, statutory partners, and families to create a joined-up support system. Whether you run a local youth project, offer family support, or deliver statutory services, we help you navigate local provision, build strong partnerships, and access the exact support your organisation needs to thrive.

Who we are & how we help

Supporting children, young people, and families brings unique opportunities and challenges. Our Infrastructure and Partnerships team acts as the dedicated connector for the Early Help sector across BCP.

We bridge the gap between grassroots community groups and statutory services like BCP Council—ensuring information flows freely, gaps in provision are filled, and the lived experiences of local families directly shape local policy and support.

What we offer your organisation

• Targeted Information & Directory Mapping: Get linked into local networks and directories—including BCP Council’s Service Finder, peer networks & Family Hubs, so your services reach the families who need them most.

• Specialist Networking & Peer Support: Connect directly with fellow practitioners across the BCP area to share insights, collaborate, and avoid duplicating services.

• Tailored Organisational Development: Access Health Checks designed for youth and family-focused groups, connecting you with specialist funding advice, volunteer recruitment, and CAN training.

• Amplifying Community Voice: We facilitate conversations with families, young people, and underrepresented communities, ensuring their feedback directly informs BCP Council decision-making and partner services.

Join our networks & connect with peers

Collaboration works best when communication is fast and simple. We host and support key spaces where local professionals and providers share real-time updates:

• Youth & Family Professionals MS Teams Channel: Our digital space for day-to-day announcements, queries, and peer-to-peer advice. (New expanded channel launching October 2026)

• Children, Young People & Families Network: Regular online and in-person network meetings to share best practice, map local service needs, and spot partnership opportunities.

Who is this for?

If you are working to improve the lives of children, young people, and families in BCP, this space is for you:

• Voluntary & Community Groups: Small or large organisations delivering youth clubs, family support, mentoring, or early years activities.

• Statutory Partners & Council Teams: Professionals working in Early Help, Family Hubs, health, education, SEND, and social care looking to link with community provision.

• Specialist & Inclusion Services: Teams advocating for marginalised groups, neurodivergent young people, or families experiencing housing instability (including links with Homewards and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives).

Get in touch

Have a question, want to join our network, or need support strengthening your youth or family service? Contact the Infrastructure & Partnerships Team via hello@can100.org

How to join the MS Teams Channel

Our current MS Teams chat is at full capacity, but an expanded channel is launching in October 2026.

To request access if a space becomes available or to be added to the waiting list for the October launch, please email hello@can100.org. You can also email us to get involved with the Children, Young People & Families Network.