The true value of networking doesn’t come from how many people we can meet, but rather how many people we can introduce to others – @simonsinek

The voluntary and community sector plays a huge role locally in improving people’s lives and are well placed to understand and work with communities to empower positive change.

Our Networks create opportunities for more joined up working and enable us to gather insight and intelligence about the successes you have had and the challenges you’re facing helping us to drive change across the sector.

By bringing the sector together, the Networks offer regular opportunities for you to meet others and hear about all the great work that’s happening across the county.

At our networks you’ll be able to:

• share insight and intelligence  
• share the work you’re doing 
• find potential collaborations 
• discover funding opportunities 
• discuss good practice 
• offer and receive peer support  
• help to influence and drive effective joined up working and 
• come together to empower community-led change! 

Our networks are thematically and geographically focused and have evolved from conversations with our members about their needs.

We’re currently offering networks based on: 

• Boscombe Network – exactly what is says on the tin! A network for community and voluntary groups working across Boscombe. 
• NEW in 2024 Bournemouth Network
• NEW in 2024 Christchurch Network
• Community Spaces Network – this network is for folk working and volunteering in any spaces the community can use. Museums, community centres, libraries, gardens. Run in conjunction with BCP Council, we meet in person every quarter.
• Network for Supporting Disability – a network for any organisations supporting people with additional needs.
• Early Years Network – for all groups supporting families with children from conception to five years old. 
• Going Green Together Network – an opportunity for us to come together to share ideas and thinking on the climate crisis – to encourage actions to reduce the carbon footprint of members and communities, and to mitigate the impact of the climate crisis on communities.
• Leader’s Network– an exciting network providing an opportunity for leaders of small charities and not for profit organisations to come together.
• NEW in 2024 LGBT+ Network – to support organisations who work with members of the LGBT+ community and any not for profits who want to be allies with and for LGBT+ folk.
• Network for Groups Supporting Men – any organisations who offer bespoke support for men are very welcome.
• Network for Groups Supporting Older People – Bringing together not for profit groups who find ways to collaborate to support older peoples health and wellbeing.
• Poole Network – bringing together community and voluntary groups supporting communities in Poole.
• Network for Groups Supporting Women – Voluntary and community groups who offer women only support and spaces are encouraged to network together.

We welcome anyone involved within a voluntary organisation, community group or charity. Whether you’re a volunteer, paid worker, senior leader or trustee you can join. There’s also the opportunity for public sector colleagues to join us to find out about the local VCSE and how we could work together.

All groups from across Dorset are welcome. We are always interested to hear from you about any new networks so please get in touch.

If you would like more information contact Hannah Rees, Engagement Lead hannah.rees@can100.org