Community Action Network

Rossmore Information Station
2026-01-16 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | Rossmore Library, Herbert Avene, Poole, BH12 4HR
Connect with community services, discover volunteering opportunities, or get support for your charity or community group. There is 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.

Coastal change around Poole Harbour
2026-01-15 10:30 - 13:30 | Poole Museum, 4 High Street, Poole, BH15 1BW, United Kingdom
Coasts In Mind are mapping 100 years of change in Poole Harbour from the people’s perspective. Booking is required for this event.
Join a small, friendly group to share your memories of change around the Harbour. Our workshops include;

A virtual walk from Baiter Park to Hamworthy. We’ll pause along the way to discuss changes to the landscape and local industries.
Sensory boxes and music to bring the coast and the past to you.
A collection of photos and objects to handle that tells the story of Poole’s recent history.
Plenty of hot drinks and biscuits!

To book your free space or find out more, email Hazel at hcrabb@MOLA.org.uk, or phone Oliver on 07718 570382.

Introduction to Safeguarding
2026-01-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
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

Developing a Budget
2025-12-08 18:00 - 19:30 | Online event
Are you a voluntary organisation that hasn’t yet developed a budget? Then this is the course for you. This training is designed to help your organisation plan its finances, create budgets, and forecast cash flow.
Budgeting for activities is similar to budgeting at home: you calculate your income and expenses to determine if you have a surplus or a deficit. If you have a deficit, you need to increase revenue or reduce expenses to avoid debt. Budgeting will help you understand:

Expenses: What you need to run your activities.
Income: Whether your current income is sufficient to continue your activities.
Cash Flow: Identifying where you may be short of cash.

This will help you determine how much money you need to raise to keep your organisation running smoothly and assess the sustainability of your work. The budgeting process also provides an opportunity to explore new fundraising methods and identify potential savings.
This training and workbook offer a basic overview of developing your budget, making it suitable for newly emerging community groups.
Book Here

CREN Reflective Session
2025-12-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
The Community Research & Engagement Network (CREN) invites partners and colleagues to join a reflective online session exploring collaboration between communities and health or social-care researchers.
This session follows a smaller Round Table held in November and will share early reflections on what helps – and what hinders – effective collaboration between researchers, practitioners and voluntary organisations.
The discussion will be of interest to anyone involved in community-led research or partnerships seeking to build trust and inclusivity in their work.
The event will include a short presentation and an opportunity to post questions or comments via chat.
Places are free, but registration is essential.
Book your free place
For more information, please contact paul.norton@can100.org

Castlepoint Information Station
2025-12-04 10:30 - 12:00 | Castlepoint Library, Castlepoint Shopping Centre, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, BH8 9UP
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.

Tuckton Information Station
2025-12-04 10:30 - 12:00 | Tuckton Library, Wick Lane, Bournemouth, BH6 4LF

Attract corporate supporters with video content
2025-11-27 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Join The Saltways’ Founders, Emma Bracegirdle and Peter Butler along with guest host TBC for a 60 minute practical workshop for charities. Covering:

What corporate partners really want to see
Showcasing impact that resonates with business goals
Expert insight from our special guest. (TBC)
Mobile filming for professional corporate presentations

Free guide included and an opportunity to ask questions.
Book your free place

Winton Information Station @ Winter Fayre
2025-11-26 11:00 - 13:30 | Thrive, 91 Wimborne Road, Winton, BH3 7AN, United Kingdom

Dorset Community Foundation
2025-11-24 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Neighbourhood Fund webinar with Dorset Community Foundation

Meet the Funder with Ellie from Dorset Community Foundation (DCF) delivering an overview of the Neighbourhood Fund – DCF’s longest-running grant programme.
This fund offers grants of up to £5,000 to small, local community groups working to address local issues such as poverty, disadvantage, and social problems.
Ellie will explain the fund’s priorities, eligibility criteria, and what makes a strong application.
This session is ideal for groups that:

Have annual expenditure under £250,000
Are based in Dorset (national charities are not eligible)
Do not currently hold multiple active grants from DCF programmes.

Book your free place

Wimborne Information Station
2025-11-19 09:00 - 14:30 | Allendale Centre, Allendale Community Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne, BH21 1AS, United Kingdom

Community Resilience: Online preparedness session
2025-11-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Community Resilience: what it means, why it matters, and how we can work together to strengthen our communities across the BCP area.
Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. Being prepared reduces fear and builds confidence. Community resilience is about people helping people: using local knowledge, relationships, and resources to bounce back from disruption. This session on Community Resilience is led by Anita, Community Resilience Officer at BCP Council, for VCS groups (staff and volunteers) across the BCP Council area, especially those supporting vulnerable people.
Anita will:
• Explain what community resilience means in practice
• Share insights into local risks like flooding, wildfires, and power outages
• Identify tools and resources, including the Dorset Prepared website
• Provide practical advice on how to prepare and support others.
Please share this invitation with your networks. The more people we reach, the stronger and safer our communities will be.
Book your free place

Broadstone Information Point
2025-11-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Broadstone Library, 10 Story Lane, Broadstone, Dorset, BH18 8EQ, United Kingdom

Young Carers Education Summit
2025-11-05 09:00 - 15:00 | Bournemouth University Executive Business Centre, 89 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8EB, United Kingdom
MYTIME invite you and your team to the annual MYTIME Young Carers Education Summit.
The summit brings together educators, researchers, policymakers, young carers, community groups and professionals working with young carers to explore practical, evidence-informed approaches to tackling educational disadvantage.
This year’s theme focuses on strengthening inclusive educational policy and practice for young carers, with particular attention to attendance, attainment, and the impact of intersecting identities such as SEND and socio-economic background.
Joined by renowned speakers on young carers Professor Saul Becker and Dr Rebecca Lacey, alongside young carers and the MYTIME team, for a day of powerful insights and shared learning.
MYTIME’S new workshop looks at giving our local communities the knowledge & power to support young carers.
Let’s unite our voices and energy to create better outcomes for young carers. 💙
Book your free place

Create effective video content using your phone
2025-10-23 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-21 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
“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 60 minute 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 and get feedback on your footage.
Book your free place

Fundamentals of Innovation Adoption
2025-10-23 10:00 - 16:30 | Dorchester County Hall, DT1 1XJ, United Kingdom
Build your knowledge and develop skills to support the successful implementation of innovative improvement solutions with ‘Fundamentals of Innovation Adoption’ training, delivered by NHS Dorset and Health Sciences University (on behalf of the Dorset Innovation Hub), and get the foundation to support a successful innovation adoption journey.
During this 1-day, in-person, free training, you will:
• Explore the definition of innovation in a health and care setting.
• Learn about the key steps within an innovation adoption project.
• Develop skills in using supportive frameworks and tools.
• Use a case study example to test the application of learning in a linear journey through the day.
All dates are in person and run from 10:00 to 16:30.
For further information and booking, visit https://ourdorset.org.uk/innovation/events/

Elevator Pitch Training
2025-10-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
What if you could secure funding in one sentence? Clear, confident communication is essential when explaining who you are, what you do, and why it matters, especially in the charity world, where time is a finite resource. A strong elevator pitch helps potential funders, partners, and stakeholders quickly grasp your purpose and impact, making them more likely to support your work.
This workshop is designed to support voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) to develop and refine compelling elevator pitches that communicate their value clearly and memorably in just a few sentences.
Book your free place

Income Diversification workshop
2025-10-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Kinson Community Centre, Pelhams Park, Millhams Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH10 7LH, United Kingdom
Join us on Monday 20th October, 10–12pm at Kinson Community Centre for a brand-new Income Diversification Workshop, created in response to local charities asking for more support around funding.
This interactive workshop is designed for charities and community groups across Dorset who are looking to strengthen their financial sustainability. Through shared experiences and practical guidance, the session will explore how organisations can diversify their income and build long-term resilience.
Attendees will hear from peer organisations that have successfully navigated income diversification, take part in themed discussions on different income streams, and have the chance to connect with others facing similar challenges. The workshop will also offer insights into working with businesses and developing sustainable funding strategies.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore income diversification or seeking to refine your approach, this event will provide inspiration, peer support, and actionable ideas. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what’s possible, new connections, and potential opportunities for collaboration.
Spaces are limited, so book your place today and be part of this valuable learning and networking opportunity.
Book your free place

Become a Under 25's Club Maker
2025-10-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Dorset County Football Association, Blandford Close, Poole, BH15 4BF
Club Maker is a free workshop designed to empower the next generation of volunteers. Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a student exploring career options, or someone looking to gain new skills and experiences. This is your chance to get involved in the game in a whole new way.
What is Club Maker?
Club Maker is a 90-minute interactive workshop that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how football clubs are run off the pitch. From club management and communications to matchday operations and marketing, you’ll explore the vital volunteer roles that keep grassroots football alive.
Why take part?
By joining a Club Maker workshop, you’ll:

Learn about the different off-the-pitch roles in grassroots football
Discover how volunteering can boost your career and personal growth
Build connections with your local County FA and grassroots clubs
Get support to transition into real volunteering opportunities after the workshop

Where & when?

Monday 13th October 2025
6:30pm – 8pm
Dorset County Football Association, The County Ground, Blandford Close, Hamworthy, Poole, BH15 4BF

Contact jessica.boyle@dorsetfa.com from Dorset FA to sign up.

Safeguarding Awareness Session
2025-10-09 09:30 - 11:30 | Online
This free safeguarding session is especially valuable for groups working with children, young people, or families. It’s designed to empower local organisations with the knowledge to identify and respond to serious risks within our communities.
When: 9th October from 9.30am to 11.30am via Zoom
9.30am to 10.30am Hear from a Children’s Social Care (CSC) Manager and Amy Wilson from the Police as they shine a light on missing, exploited, and trafficked (M.E.T) children. Learn about the local panel, key warning signs, and how to share concerns effectively with the police.
10.30am to 11.30am Tina Symington, BCP’s Community Safety Manager, will guide us through Modern Day Slavery and Prevent (Counter Terrorism). Discover what these issues look like in real life, how to recognise the signs and symbols, and what steps to take if you need to refer someone.
Open to All BCP & Dorset Groups (staff and volunteers).
Book your free place

CAN AGM 2025
2025-10-08 12:00 - 15:00 | The Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG, United Kingdom
CAN’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 8th October at The Lighthouse, Poole from 12 – 3 pm.
This year, our AGM theme is ‘Happy Healthy Communities,’ highlighting the essential role that charities and community groups play in supporting an equitable society, preventing poor health, and building community wellness.
We’re delighted to have Debra Allcock-Tyler, CEO of Directory of Social Change, return as our guest speaker to share her perspective on our work a year on and her hopes (and fears) for the future.
Why you should attend

Hear from Debra Allcock-Tyler. Her experience includes board development, campaigning, policy development, media relations and training. A published author and acclaimed public speaker, she is excited to share her experiences for the benefit of Dorset charities and community groups.
Enjoy a networking lunch
Connect and share experiences with colleagues.
Hear from CAN about our work last year and priorities going forward.

Book your free place
The Lighthouse is located in the centre of Poole, opposite the Dolphin Shopping Centre and Poole Bus Station. It is a ten-minute walk from Poole Train Station. There is parking nearby, including the Dolphin Shopping Centre multi-storey car park and the BCP car park on Seldown Lane (open to the public Monday to Friday, 6:30 am to 7:00 am, Saturday, 2:00 pm to 7:00 am, and Sunday, 24 hours).
Plan your journey via Google Maps

The National Lottery Community Fund
2025-09-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Reaching Community Webinar with The National Lottery Community Fund

The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) updated its Reaching Communities programme in April 2025. With new priorities focused on supporting communities facing poverty, disadvantage and discrimination for projects that empower people to influence the decisions affecting their lives. The programme offers grants starting at £20,001 for up to 5 years of funding.
Want to find out how your organisation can benefit?
Join Kirsty Main, Dorset’s Local Funding Officer, for an informative webinar where she’ll talk through the new priorities and missions.
Book your free place

Make a compelling fundraising video
2025-09-11 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Join The Saltways’ Founders, Emma Bracegirdle and Peter Butler along with guest host TBC for a 60 minute practical workshop for charities. We’ll cover:

Storytelling structures that drive donations
Authentic ways to feature beneficiaries
Expert insight from our special guest. (TBC)
Professional results using just your smartphone

Free guide included and an opportunity to ask questions.
Book your free place

How to design peer support
2025-07-31 10:00 - 14:00 | Online event
with The Peer Partnership
Peer support can be a hugely effective intervention for people going through complicated life circumstances. Being able to receive empathetic support from people who have been through similar situations can reduce feelings of isolation and not being understood. It can also help people improve their knowledge, confidence, and ability to take control of their situation by learning from the experiences of others who have overcome, or who may still be struggling with the obstacles and barriers they are facing.
This workshop is designed to support health organisations and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) to consider, plan, and troubleshoot the introduction of peer support programmes into their services.
Book your place
If you are interested in organising a session exclusively for your organisation or on behalf of another organisation, please see details of the Training for Professionals on the Peer Partnership website. If you would like to talk about this, please email info@peerpartnership.org or call 0117 955 5038.

Create a culture of content creators
2025-07-24 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Join The Saltways’ Founders, Emma Bracegirdle and Peter Butler along with guest host TBC for a 60 minute practical workshop for charities. Covering:

Overcome the “I’m not creative” mindset
Simple systems to encourage regular content creation
Expert insights from our special guest. (TBC)
Phone filming techniques anyone can master

Free guide included and an opportunity to ask questions.
Book your free place

Recognise and respond to challenging behaviour
2025-07-24 10:00 - 14:00 | Online event
Working with people with complex lives can be difficult, especially when they might display strong defensive, aggressive, or disengaging behaviours that can interrupt constructive and meaningful engagement. In order to work effectively with people who may exhibit challenging behaviour, this workshop explores the causes, biomechanics, strategies, and timings to manage and de-escalate potentially difficult situations.
This workshop explores challenging behaviour, how to recognise it, and techniques to work out when and how to intervene to de-escalate these situations.
Book here
The workshop includes:
What challenging behaviour is and where it comes from
The biomechanics of stress responses
How to avoid triggering challenging behaviour
Who is it for?
This workshop is for staff and volunteers of voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), health and social care organisations and non-profit organisations, especially those in public-facing supportive roles. Participants will benefit from having undertaken work with people who have exhibited challenging behaviour, but this is not essential, and this workshop can be delivered as an introduction to the theory of de-escalation. There will be a maximum of 15 participants per workshop to allow for meaningful engagement.
Some feedback from a participant:
“It should be mandatory for everyone who is working with vulnerable people.”
If you would like to arrange a session specifically for your organisation or would like more information about this workshop or The Peer Partnership, please contact 0117 955 5038 or visit www.peerpartnership.org

Creating Effective Video Content for Charities
2025-06-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
“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 The Saltways team for a 60-minute 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 and get feedback on your footage.
Book your free place

Ethical Filmmaking
2025-05-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Join us for an essential workshop on ethical filmmaking in the charity sector. Learn how to create powerful, authentic content while prioritising the dignity and wellbeing of the people whose stories you’re sharing. Whether you’re producing content in-house or working with agencies, this session will equip you with the frameworks and practical approaches needed for ethical storytelling.
We’ll be joined by a charity partner who will share real-world experiences and insights, bringing these principles to life through practical examples. This interactive session will help you navigate the complex landscape of ethical content creation, ensuring your films create positive impact while protecting and empowering your storytellers.
What you’ll learn:
– Understanding trauma-informed approaches to filmmaking
– Best practices for obtaining meaningful consent
– Principles of co-creation and collaborative storytelling
– Practical techniques for supporting people to share their stories safely
– Real-world examples of ethical filming in action
– Strategies for briefing and working with external agencies
Find out more

Nature Buddies webinar
2025-05-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
If you love nature and want to help others, volunteering as a Nature Buddy could be the perfect role for you.
Nature Buddies support people to overcome barriers such as anxiety or low confidence, lack of knowledge or safety concerns to get outside and enjoy local parks and gardens, access activities or simply observe wildlife from their window.
This new initiative led by the Dorset National Landscape team aims to build a network of trained Nature Buddies who can be matched to people in need of support. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a Nature Buddy come along to an information sharing webinar on Tuesday, 6th May 2025, 11am-12pm. Register below or email Kate & Jules at stepin2nature@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
Nature Buddies is a Dorset National Landscape project, in partnership with Volunteer Centre Dorset. Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Register here
