Community Action Network (CAN) has expanded its dedicated team serving the voluntary and community sector with the addition of Marina Baker, who has taken up the role of Membership Development Lead.

Marina has a wealth of experience in the sector, having worked for Dorset Youth Association as Partnership & Engagement Coordinator and previously at the Volunteer Centre Dorset and the charity Help & Care.

Marina describes herself as “passionate about the enormous difference the sector makes to people’s lives”. She said: “I am delighted to have joined CAN and extend a warm welcome to organisations that would like to hear about our free membership and the help, advice and support we offer to enable, empower and connect.

“I am looking to develop relationships with businesses so that together we can work to create and develop thriving communities. Over the next few months I will be at Volunteer Fairs and Roadshows across Dorset, spreading the word about our free services,” she added.

Marina praised the “remarkable resilience and determination” of voluntary organisations that have rallied to support communities over the last two-and-a-half years, despite facing unprecedented challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. She is committed to supporting the VCS and helping the sector as the cost-of-living crisis hits and we head into an era of economic uncertainty.

When she is not at work, Marina loves being outside enjoying nature, as well as history, travel, meeting people, music and walking in ancient places. This passion for the great outdoors led Marina to walk 500 miles of the Camino Frances, from France, across Spain to Santiago and on to the sea at Finisterre and Muxia. This was followed by the Camino Primitivo, walking through the mountains and exploring Guatemala. Her motto is: “Step by step, you will get there!”

Please email Marina at [email protected] to get in touch, or come and meet Marina at one of the roadshows or events that CAN has organised this autumn.