Community Action Network

Introduction to Safeguarding
2026-03-09 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | Kinson Community Centre, Pelhams Park, Millhams Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH10 7LH, United Kingdom
Anyone who works or volunteers with children, young people, or adults has a responsibility to help keep them safe. This introductory course is designed for volunteers and staff who need a basic understanding of safeguarding principles and practices.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

Explain what safeguarding means
Identify different types of abuse and neglect
Recognise signs and symptoms of potential harm
Understand who might be affected by abuse and neglect
Know how and who to report concerns to
Identify a range of safeguarding issues and concerns
Share experiences and learn from others in similar roles.

Book your free place

Support Services: Planning and Implementation
2026-03-10 09:30 - 15:30 | Online event
Support services should be devised through co-design and implemented through co-production in order to be genuinely reflective of the community.
This workshop is designed to equip support professionals and people with lived experience with the knowledge and skills to effectively collaborate and to co-create services that meet the needs of all stakeholders.
Join us to enhance your skills, network with peers, and make a meaningful impact on health services through co-creation.
To purchase your ticket, visit: https://peerpartnership.org/co-creation-of-support-services/
Content
Introduction and icebreaker – Kickstart the day with brief introductions and an engaging icebreaker activity to create a comfortable atmosphere.
Understanding Co-Creation. Explore key concepts, benefits, and real-world case studies of successful co-creation projects in the UK.
Planning Co-Creation – Learn techniques for identifying and engaging key stakeholders, and setting clear, achievable objectives through interactive activities.
Implementing Co-Creation – Design a co-creation process, utilize effective tools and techniques, and participate in a group activity to create a mock co-creation project.
Overcoming Challenges – Address common challenges and develop strategies for risk management and overcoming obstacles.
Evaluation & Sustainability – Discover methods for evaluating the success of co-creation projects and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Conclusion & Next Steps – Recap key points, create an action plan for implementing co-creation, and provide feedback on the workshop.
The workshop is five hours, including breaks and discussions.
£100 per person. To purchase your ticket, visit: https://peerpartnership.org/co-creation-of-support-services/ Each workshop has a maximum of 15 attendees, to ensure the full benefits of interactive discussion and learning.

Volunteering: Your Ultimate Career Hack
2026-03-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Aged 16 – 25? Got the drive, but do you have the receipts? Join us for a deep dive into why volunteering is the most underrated tool in your professional toolkit.
We’re moving past the feel-good vibes and getting into the real results. From discovering your hidden talents to landing your dream gig, we’ll show you how spending time on a cause you care about pays dividends for your bank account and your brain.
Join us to learn:

How to find opportunities that actually match your vibe.

The science of why doing good makes you feel (and work) better.

Real stories of 16–25-year-olds who turned volunteering into full-time careers.

Book your free place

How to create effective video content using your phone for charities
2026-03-12 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
Join The Saltways team in this workshop for charities to learn how to create effective & high quality content on your phone.

“Thank you for the training, I never thought I could make video’s let alone using my phone so it was all amazing and new to me.”
Does your charity want to start creating video content but don’t know where to start? Join two of The Saltways team for a practical workshop for charities.

Learn how to plan your films to get the best results possible.
Learn technical tips on how to improve your footage and sound.
Have an introduction into editing and how to build a campaign around your film.

There will also be a chance to ask questions.

Book your free place

Making TikTok work for your Charity
2026-03-17 10:00 - 23:00 | Online event
Explore how your charity can create engaging and effective TikTok content.
TikTok is now one of the fastest-growing platforms for news, campaigning and social impact. But for many charities, TikTok can still feel confusing, time-consuming and out of reach.
This free one-hour session will demystify TikTok and show how charities can create engaging, effective short-form videos without big budgets, specialist kit or dedicated video teams. You’ll explore what’s working on the platform right now, and how to turn simple ideas into content that cuts through.
Whether you’re brand new to TikTok or want to improve what you’re already posting, this practical session will give you the confidence to not only get started, but to keep going!
What you’ll learn
In just one hour, you’ll get a clear, up-to-date picture of how charities can use TikTok effectively in 2026. We’ll cover:

What helps TikTok videos cut through right now
The most effective short-form video styles for charities
Simple filming and editing techniques to hook viewers
How to create engaging content without big budgets or specialist teams
Practical tips for getting started quickly and consistently

Event details
Location: Online
Time: 1 hour
Price: Free
Who should attend?
Perfect for staff working on charity comms, campaigns and digital who want to explore TikTok but aren’t sure where to start. No prior TikTok experience needed.
Book your free place

Community Spaces Network
2026-03-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Bournemouth and Poole College, North Rd,, Poole, BH14 0LS
This is an invitation to all community groups who have spaces the public can visit – community centres and halls, cafes, libraries, digital hubs and more. At this networking event, run with BCP Council, we offer support and advice on how to run public spaces and events smoothly and legally.
Meet at the Bournemouth and Poole Campus on Monday, 23 March, from 10 am – 12 pm.
Book your free place

Developing a Business Plan
2026-03-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
Thought about a business plan and the importance of having one? It might be something you want for funding or to support your legal registration, but a plan can provide you with much more.
Developing or reviewing one allows you to step out of the day-to-day running of your group and think about the bigger picture, reflect on what you have achieved and help you plan for the future. This training will show you:

What you are trying to achieve
How to deliver services
How to monitor, evaluate and review your activities
Your current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
How much money do you need to run smoothly
What’s on around you and how to interact with other people and groups.

If you have a business plan that hasn’t been reviewed recently, or you haven’t yet started one, this training will allow you to look at the skills, knowledge and experience you have in place or may need to develop. It will enable you to explain clearly and effectively to others what you intend to provide and how it will be delivered.
Book your free place

Supporting LGBT+ Network
2026-03-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Online event
A safe space to discuss issues faced by LGBT+ community members and how we can be their allies. Join us online from 10 – 11 am on 25 March.
Book your free place

Parkstone Information Station
2026-03-25 11:00 - 15:00 | Heathers Tearoom, Ashley Road, Poole, BH14 9DS
Connect with community services, discover volunteering opportunities, or get support for your charity or community group. No need to book; just drop in.
We can help with:

Finding volunteering roles
Befriending
Social activities
Transport services
Food and finance
Advice for community groups & charities.

Get Young Volunteers Involved
2026-03-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
This practical session is for organisations interested in involving young volunteers but unsure about areas like insurance, safeguarding, DBS checks and health & safety.
Hear from Dorset Blind Association, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, and The Parks Foundation, three local charities already involving 16 – 17‑year‑old volunteers. They will share their experiences, what’s worked well, and how they’ve managed practical considerations. A short Q&A will follow each speaker, giving you the chance to ask questions.
Book your free place

Content Beyond Case Studies
2026-03-26 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
Join The Saltways and explore how to move beyond traditional case-study-led content and build a richer, more sustainable storytelling approach.

Case studies are powerful, but they’re not the only way to tell your charity’s story. In this practical online session, The Saltways team will explore how to move beyond traditional case-study-led content and build a richer, more sustainable storytelling approach that protects contributors while keeping your supporters engaged.
Together, they will look at:

Why relying solely on case studies can create challenges
Alternative storytelling formats that still show impact
How to highlight your mission without putting pressure on individuals
Creative ways to capture everyday moments, insights, and organisational expertise
Tips for small teams to produce consistent, varied content
Real examples of powerful non–case study content from across the sector

This session is ideal for charities wanting to diversify their content, protect vulnerable people, and keep supporter communications fresh, ethical, and engaging.

Book your free place

Supporting Disability Network
2026-04-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Online event
Join a range of organisations helping to support children and adults with disabilities. Share your offer and make new connections.
YOUR TEXThttps://communityactionnetwork.beaconforms.com/form/0edeb78b

Bournemouth Library Information Station
2026-04-10 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-17 10:00 - 14:00 | Bournemouth Library, 22 The Triangle, Bournemouth, BH2 5RQ

Volunteer Management
2026-04-13 10:30 - 12:30 | Kinson Community Centre, Pelhams Park, Millhams Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH10 7LH, United Kingdom
The environment and relationship your organisation develops with its volunteers should be a rewarding mutual experience for both parties. This training and asset-based workbook will cover:

Introduction to volunteering
Gathering information
Policies and procedures
Volunteer management, supervision and training.
Volunteers and the law
Thanking volunteers
Volunteer recruitment.

By the end of this training, you will understand best practices in managing your volunteers, with tools and resources to develop a framework of support. This is a great introduction to the subject, and can lead to more in-depth training on specific areas of volunteer management with CAN.
Book your free place
This training is held in person at Kinson Community Centre, Pelhams Park, Millhams Road, Bournemouth BH10 7LH. There is parking available, and the site is fully accessible.

Creative brainstorming drop in session
2026-04-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Join Pete and Emma from The Saltways for a relaxed, idea-fuelled online drop-in designed to help you shape and refine your content plans.
Whether you’re a charity looking to amplify your impact, a small team juggling storytelling on limited time, or simply feeling stuck on where to begin, this session is your space to ask questions, share ideas, and get practical guidance from filmmakers who specialise in purpose-driven content.
There’s no formal presentation – just an open, supportive Q&A where you can:

Bounce ideas around and explore fresh creative angles
Get advice on story structure, filming approaches, or platform-specific content
Sense-check your plans for upcoming campaigns or events
Identify opportunities you may be overlooking
Leave with renewed clarity and direction for your content strategy

Whether you stay for 10 minutes or the full hour, you’ll walk away with practical, doable ideas that meet your organisation where it is.
Book your free place

Castlepoint Information Station
2026-04-16 09:30 - 12:30 | Castlepoint Library, Castlepoint Shopping Centre, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, BH8 9UP

Upton Bay Care Home Open Day
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Upton Bay Care Home, 1 Hoyal Road, Hamworthy, BH15 4HY, United Kingdom

Boscombe Network
2026-04-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Online event
Make new connections with other organisations that support people in and around Boscombe.
Book your free place

SEND Information Event
2026-04-23 10:00 - 14:00 | City Gate Church, 138A Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8AS
Parent Carers Together is delighted to invite you their upcoming SEND Information Day (formerly Local Offer Live) on Thursday 23rd April, 10:00am–2:00pm.
If you haven’t attended this event before, it brings together services, organisations, and professionals from across BCP to showcase the support available to children and young people with SEND and their families.

Build a Disability Inclusive Workplace
2026-04-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Why attend?

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Recognise the advantages of proactively designing inclusivity into workplace practices.
Describe where their organisation currently sits on the disability inclusion gap analysis scale—both overall and at each stage of the employee lifecycle.
Identify barriers that may hinder cultural change and understand how technology can act as an enabler.
Develop a plan to move forward.

Who will benefit from this training?
This training is suitable for anyone interested in building high‑performing teams or enhancing knowledge in EDI and disability inclusion, including:

HR professionals
Hiring managers
People managers
IT support teams
Event planners
Trainers

Level of training: Introductory. No prior knowledge is required, though more experienced practitioners will also find value.

Book your free place

West Howe Information Station
2026-04-23 14:00 - 16:00 | West Howe Library, 67 Cunningham Crescent, Bournemouth, BH11 8DS

Southbourne Information Station
2026-04-24 10:00 - 13:00 | Southbourne Library, 118 Seabourne Rd, Bournemouth BH5 2HY, 118 Seabourne Rd, Bournemouth, BH5 2HY

Choosing a Legal Structure
2026-04-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Online event
Choosing the right legal structure for your group is a crucial decision, and it can be hard to pick the best option. This training is for voluntary and community sector groups without a legal structure, and they Book your free place need support to make an informed choice. Our training, along with the provided asset-based workbook, will guide you through the decision-making process.
This training will cover:
· Understanding ‘legal structure’ and why it matters
·Who is responsible for selecting the legal structure?
· Legal structure options
· What you need to know about managing your chosen structure
· Tools and resources to help you make an informed decision.
By completing this training, you’ll be equipped to make an informed choice about your organisation’s structure and understand the responsibilities of your management group.
Book your free place

Poole Network
2026-04-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Online event
An invitation to all members who support people in Poole to come and meet with others online and find out what’s on offer.
Book your free place

Supporting Babies, Children & Young People network
2026-04-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Our online network is for any of our members who support families with children, from conception to the age of 25.
Book your free place

Longfleet Information Station
2026-04-29 10:00 - 12:00 | St Marys Longfleet, St Mary's Church, Longfleet Rd, Poole, BH15 2JD, United Kingdom
Part of Living Well Beyond Cancer (UHD).

Volunteer Fair
2026-04-29 10:00 - 13:00 | Citygate Church, 138a Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8AS, United Kingdom
Ready to Volunteer or looking for volunteer support?
📅 Date: Wednesday 29th April 2026
🕙 Time: 10 am – 1 pm
📍 Venue: Citygate Church, 138A Holdenhurst Rd, Bournemouth BH8 8AS
♿ Accessibility: Fully accessible venue. Parking available at Asda opposite.
🎟️ Free entry – no booking required
🌟 Ready to Volunteer? 🌟
Come along to the CAN Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, 29th April, where you can meet and chat with over 50 friendly organisations showcasing a variety of rewarding volunteering opportunities. Be inspired by real stories of community impact and discover how you can get involved.
Whether people want to give back, gain skills, or connect with others, there’s something for everyone. Just turn up on the day!

Groups – reserve your stand at our CAN Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, 29th April
It’s a great opportunity to:

Showcase your organisation and the impact you make
Recruit new volunteers
Connect with other groups and services across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Create video content with a phone
2026-04-30 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
Join The Saltways team in this workshop for charities to learn how to create effective & high quality content on your phone.

Does your charity want to start creating video content but doesn’t know where to start?

Learn how to plan your films to get the best results possible.
Learn technical tips on how to improve your footage and sound.
Have an introduction into editing and how to build a campaign around your film.

There will also be a chance to ask questions.

Book your free place

Network for Supporting Men
2026-05-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Online event
If your work includes supporting men in any way, please join us at our next online network. We share our news, concerns, and offer peer support and advice.
Book your free place
