Interested in volunteering?

Are you 16+ and want to help people in your community? If you’re interested in volunteering, we can help. Volunteering can transform your life – and we help aspiring volunteers find their dream role.

Build lifelong friendships, gain new skills, develop self-confidence and above all, have fun! From gardening to befriending to events, local charities and organisations are on the lookout for helping hands.

If you would like some support in finding a volunteering opportunity, please complete this short enquiry form.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE TO HELP SOMEONE

If you’re not sure what you want to do and would like a little support, email volunteer@can100.org or give us a call at 01202 466 130 and we’ll talk you through your options.

Find the perfect volunteer role, based on your skills, interests and availability.

Volunteer Fairs – Chat about volunteering with a CAN staff member

Twice a year we gather amazing local charities looking for volunteers in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area. Come along for an informal chat to find an ideal role for you. No need to book, just turn up at the next Volunteer Fair.

Volunteer Hub

Use our online portal to find your perfect volunteer role.

Why volunteer?

Give your time to help someone or a cause you care about, without expecting payment. It’s a two-way relationship that should benefit you as a volunteer and the people, organisation or service you are helping.
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Volunteering is open to everyone regardless of age, background, experience. Before you decide to volunteer, you might find it useful to ask yourself some of these questions:

  • Why do I want to volunteer?
  • What am I hoping to gain from volunteering?
  • What do I enjoy doing?
  • What interests, hobbies or skills do I have or would like to develop?
  • How would volunteering help with my career development?
  • What commitment can I make; short term, one off projects, once a week, long term etc.
  • How much time can I give?
  • When can I volunteer; evenings, weekdays or weekends?
  • How far am I willing to travel to the volunteer position?
  • Does the purpose of the organisation match my own values and beliefs?

There are many benefits to volunteering. By giving your time as a volunteer you can:

  • Help others in your local community and give something back
  • Make a difference to the lives of others
  • Improve your health and wellbeing
  • Explore your interests
  • Share your skills and experiences
  • Develop new skills and knowledge
  • Gain great experience, which looks good on your CV
  • Become ‘job ready’
  • Gain confidence and self-esteem
  • Meet new people and make new friends
  • Feel valued and part of a team.

Ready to give it a try? Visit our volunteering portal to search for opportunities today.

What can I expect as a volunteer?

As a volunteer, you are giving your time for free, so it’s right that you know what to expect from an organisation in return.
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In a voluntary role, you can expect:

  • To learn about the organisation and what it does
  • A clear outline of duties – this is usually in the form of a written ‘role description’ or ‘task profile’
  • Training and guidance relevant to your role
  • Appropriate support or supervision
  • To be safe and covered by insurance to carry out the tasks you’ve been given
  • To be made aware of the organisation’s policies and procedures, including who you should talk to if you are unhappy
  • Reasonable out of pocket expenses reimbursed
  • To feel valued by the organisation and able to contribute to its development.
Read: Search for volunteering opportunities

Volunteer Hub

Use our online portal to search for your perfect volunteer role.
Read: Volunteering for BU staff

BU staff volunteering

For Bourenemouth University staff to access volunteering hours.
Read: Volunteer stories

Volunteer stories

How, why and where people volunteer is different for every individual. Meet some of them here …
Read: Volunteering FAQs

Volunteering FAQs

Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about volunteering.

Find out more

If you’d like a chat about volunteering or advice about where your skills or interests might best be used, contact amy.collins@can100.org or call 01202 466 130