Promoting the invaluable work of local voluntary and community groups
Local charities, large and small, make a phenomenal contribution to our area – we estimate around £158 million a year to the local economy, and that’s before we think about the families they help and the lives they change for the better. The impact of their work in our communities is clear to see but they can also face challenges. CAN are here to champion and support them.
We’re moved to share their stories and successes and give them a much deserved shout out across our social media and website.
We’d like to champion many groups each month, but can only chose one. We usually work around a theme or special day. If you’d like to be considered please contact Hannah Rees – Hannah.Rees@can100.org who will talk you through the quick and easy process.

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
Supporting Refugees and Asylum Seekers Together
This month we feature two fantastic organisations who are working together to support refugees locally
DorPIP (Dorset Parent Infant Partnership)
Helping create a society in which babies can flourish through sensitive, attuned parenting
Bournemouth Samaritans
April is Stress Awareness Month, and for Bournemouth Samaritans it's a topic they are frequently called about
Space Youth Project
Qualified youth workers and dedicated volunteers providing support to LGBT+ young people across Dorset
Holocaust Memorial Day Committee
Organising the local annual commemorative events which honour survivors of the Holocaust
2022 Round Up
As the year comes to a close we catch up with some of our Community Heroes from 2022
The Leonardo Trust
‘Helping people who care for others’ by supporting unpaid carers throughout Dorset
Afro*Disiac Radio
Celebrating the diverse African-Caribbean culture of the local community through underground music
Access to Food Partnership
A local partnership formed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure everyone has access to nutritious food
The Wave Project Dorset
Harnessing the power of the ocean to improve the mental health of children and young people with surf therapy
MAST – Men Actively Standing Together
Helping men who are victims of domestic abuse, or are struggling through poor mental health or difficult circumstances
MYTIME Young Carers
Providing young carers with the support, friendship, and opportunities that every child deserves
Win on Waste
Dorset-based recycling charity helping local residents get savvy about what they are throwing away
BCHA – Bournemouth’s Women’s Refuge
Offering self-contained and shared flats across Bournemouth and Poole, for single clients and children
STARS – Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service
Offering free 1:1 support to anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time
Parks in Mind
Providing fun nature conservation and other outdoor activities to help improve your health and wellbeing