Volunteering can transform your life for the better - and the team at CAN have a brilliant line-up of events to help aspiring volunteers to find their dream role.

Giving a little time to take part in an activity you love can help to build lifelong friendships, gain new skills, develop self-confidence and above all, have fun! From gardening to retail and befriending to events, local charities and organisations are on the lookout for helping hands.

To match potential volunteers to a rewarding role that’s close to their hearts, CAN will be holding three Drop-In Sessions next month. Simply turn up and chat to a friendly member of the CAN team – no booking is needed.

The first takes place at Boscombe Library on Tuesday 9th August (10am until midday), followed by a second Drop-In at Kinson Community Centre on Thursday 11th August (10am until midday). The final session will take place at Somerford ARC on Friday 23rd September from 1 to 3pm.

At the start of autumn, CAN will be staging three Volunteer Fairs – the ultimate opportunity to chat to a host of organisations about the huge range of volunteering roles available. Again, no booking is needed.

CAN’s Volunteers Co-Ordinator Liz Soffe said: “Volunteer Fairs are friendly, informal and offer a wonderful insight into the vast range of volunteering opportunities that are available in the region. Everyone is welcome – whatever your age, background, experience, interests or ability – there will be plenty of roles to inspire everyone, so make sure to come along!”

Organisations scheduled to take part in the fairs include the Russell-Cotes Museum and Art Gallery, Wessex Cancer Trust, Scope, Highcliffe Castle, Mudeford Wood Community Trust, Arts by the Sea Festival, Dorset Scrapstore, Macmillan Caring Locally, CAN Wellbeing Collaborative, Sport in Mind, BCHA, Active Dorset and many more.

The first Volunteer Fair takes place at Druitt Hall in Christchurch on Wednesday 7th September (2pm to 5pm), followed by Bournemouth Library on Friday 9th September (10am to 1pm). The final fair will be staged at The Spire in Poole on Thursday 15th September (10am to 1pm).

To find out more, email Liz Soffe: [email protected] or call 01202 466130.