Community Action Network (CAN) was formed in 2019 from the merger of Poole Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) and Bournemouth CVS, these charities had a rich history going back over 50 years, and form the foundations of our work today. Our charity provides professional and practical support to organisations working within the voluntary and community sector in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. We want to see these communities healthy, diverse, vibrant and flourishing.
Our mission is to empower the voluntary sector, enable volunteering and involve communities. We believe that together, we CAN make a difference.
We provide professional expertise, practical services and a platform for promoting and sharing volunteering opportunities. We help groups set up, speak up on their behalf to ensure they have a say in the local community, support them to network, and give them the tools and knowledge they need to grow and thrive.
Any charity, voluntary group or community organisation working for the good of the local community can join us – and our members are the heart of everything we do. Find out how to join us as a member here.
Our Together We CAN 2020–2025 plan sets out our strategy up to 2025 and our values underpin all that we do.
How we're runWe’re a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales. We are non-profit making and are independent of both national and regional government. A board of volunteer trustees oversee our work. They meet quarterly as a board and are also supported by a finance committee, which oversees the day to day finances of the organisation. Our policies and procedures are available on request.
Find out more about us by clicking on the links below...
CAN run a number of different projects along side our usual day to day. Take a look at what we're doing, you may want to get involved. Read more
CAN has a five-year mission to empower the voluntary sector, enable volunteering and involve communities. Read more
Our values have been co-produced by our trustees and staff. They underpin our vision and mission and demonstrate the behaviour we expect from ourselves and others. Read more
Our team is passionate about the voluntary and community sector. Our vision is for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to be places where strong, healthy, diverse and vibrant communities flourish. Read more
We're indebted to the tireless work of our volunteer trustees, without whom we couldn't exist or help the voluntary and community sector of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch flourish. Read more
We are on a continuing journey to improve and grow. To support this, we’ve signed up to the NAVCA (National Association for Voluntary and Community Action) Performance Standards and Quality Award. Read more
A wide range of organisations and groups make up the voluntary and community sector (often referred to as the VCS). Find information about the types of organisations that are part of our sector here. Read more
Our vision is for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to be places where strong, healthy, diverse and vibrant communities flourish. Read more
Local charities, big and small make a phenomenal contribution to our area. CAN are here to champion and support them. Read more
We’re doing all we CAN to help the local environment. Find out what more about what we're doing as an organisation and how we can support your group here. Read more