Service Finder takes to the road: Expanding its reach across Dorset
Connecting people with the right support at the right time is at the heart of effective health and wellbeing services. That’s why we’re excited to announce that Service Finder is bringing its powerful directory of community organisations, services and venues directly to professionals throughout the county.
Service Finder is an online tool developed by Community Action Network (CAN) for NHS Dorset. It gives frontline workers quick access to accurate, up-to-date information about local services – and our members can use it too!
The dataset of community organisations, services and venues is maintained in line with government-backed Open Referral UK standards and can be used on websites, apps and other digital tools to help the public and frontline professionals find reliable local information. Because all connected platforms use the same data, updates are automatically reflected across every website, app and tool that uses it.
Over the coming months, CAN will attend a series of Dorset Connect events to showcase how the platform can help healthcare professionals, social prescribers, community workers, and voluntary sector organisations quickly identify local services and support opportunities for the people they serve.
Why Service Finder?
In today’s increasingly complex health and care landscape, professionals need quick access to accurate, up-to-date information about community services. Service Finder has been designed to do exactly that, and is a comprehensive resource that helps professionals discover local organisations, activities, support groups, and wellbeing services.
By making it easier to find and connect people to local support, Service Finder helps strengthen collaboration between health, social care, and voluntary sector partners while improving outcomes for residents. As a service funded by NHS Dorset, one of our key priorities is to increase awareness, engagement, and use of Service Finder.
A screenshot of the Service Finder interface
Service Finder already helps people connect with local support, activities, and services; but we know there are many more organisations, healthcare professionals, and community groups that could benefit from the platform. By attending events and engaging with partners across the county, we aim to:
- Raise awareness of Service Finder among health, voluntary, and community sector organisations
- Encourage more professionals to use the platform when signposting people to local support
- Increase the number and diversity of organisations represented within the directory
- Ensure access to accurate, up-to-date information about local services.
The upcoming opportunity provides an exciting opportunity to engage with professionals from across the county, demonstrate the platform’s functionality, and gather valuable feedback from those working on the front line of health and community care. Attendees to the Dorset Connect events will be able to engage with our team and:
- Explore the platform’s search and filtering capabilities.
- Discover new local services and community resources.
- Ask questions and share feedback.
Service Finder will be attending the following Dorset Connect events.
- Sherborne – 15 September 2026
- Bridport – 24 September 2026
- Weymouth – 20 October 2026
- Shaftesbury – 18 November 2026
Can’t make it to any of the events, but want to add a service, organisation or venue to our dataset? You can upload it here or email servicefinder@can100.org to find out more.
Together, we can help more people discover the support, activities, and services they need to live healthier, happier, and more connected lives.
Looking for Service Finder training? Check out the online training dates.
