Hello! we’re CAN
The Community Action Network
We want to ensure local communities are strong, healthy, diverse and thriving.
CAN supports volunteering across Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, and wider Dorset with our colleagues at Volunteer Centre Dorset.
Our values underpin everything we do – Our mission is to EMPOWER, ENABLE and CONNECT communities. This is our ultimate purpose. It defines what we aim to achieve every day, through every decision we make.
EMPOWER I ENABLE I CONNECT
CAN supports volunteering across Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, and wider Dorset with our colleagues at Volunteer Centre Dorset.
We provide professional and practical tools to help build and grow charities and community organisations through advice, guidance, high quality training and by facilitating collaboration.
We support and champion volunteers to promote the incredible value of volunteering. We also provide a platform for promoting volunteering opportunities and sharing good practice – our Volunteering Hub
The voluntary sector makes an amazing difference to the local community, and we believe it deserves a bigger voice. We provide a network for connecting organisations and speak up on behalf of our sector.
Latest News
Hate Crime is rising nationally – together we can stop this in Dorset
Share your insights on how local communities can come together to inform important work to spread understanding and respect to everyone.
Don’t be a superhero in hiding: Take CAN’s survey and help the VCS thrive
As Dorset's largest infrastructure charity, CAN supports the VCS with training, advice, resources, and volunteer connections, but to offer the most effective support possible; we need to hear from you.
Make a difference at Bournemouth Square Action Day
An initiative aimed at enhancing the cleanliness and vitality of Bournemouth Town Centre
Upcoming Training and Events
Network for Supporting Disability
Network for Supporting Disability
This virtual network is for any of our members working with people with disability and long term conditions.
Meet the Funder – Children in Need Family Fund
Meet the Funder - Children in Need Family Fund
Funding to alleviate the pressures associated with furniture poverty and the wider impact on a child or young person’s wellbeing.
NEW! Christchurch Network
NEW! Christchurch Network
We’ve taken our members’ feedback on board and have created a network just for groups in Christchurch.
Our Most Recent Community Heroes
Access to Food Partnership
A mission to enable people to have easy access to healthy food, at all times.
International Women’s Day Community Heroes
For International Women's Day, we're sharing five incredible groups ...
Wired Therapy
Wired Therapy support the mental health and wellbeing of young people across Dorset through a creative, youth centred approach.