Volunteering offers numerous benefits, including the chance to help others in your local community, give back, make a difference in people's lives, and improve your own health and wellbeing.
Support a community food project near you
The Access to Food Partnership map shows all of the community food projects in our area. Use it to find out about community food projects near you and how you can get involved.
Support those who are homeless
The Homelessness Partnership collaborates closely with those who are homeless or rough sleeping to help them into stable accommodation.
Donations of clean clothes and shoes can be dropped off at:
- Hope & More: 171 Seabourne Rd, Bournemouth BH5 2HH (Tuesday-Saturday 9.30am-5.30pm)
- Hope Housing: St Swithuns Road, Bournemouth BH1 3RQ
- SSAFA Shop: 23 Church Rd, Parkstone, Poole BH14 8UF
Donations of toiletries, new underwear, and socks can be dropped off at:
- Half-time: Westover Road, Bournemouth BH1 2BZ (Monday, Wednesday, or Friday mornings)
- Routes to Roots: c/o Skinner Street United Reformed Church, 5 Skinner St, Poole BH15 1RQ (Monday-Friday lunchtime)
- Christchurch Foodbank: St Joseph’s Church, 67 Purewell BH23 1EH (Monday & Tuesday 10am-12, Thursday 11am-1pm, Friday 2pm-4pm)
You can donate money to Change for Good, set up with the Dorset Community Foundation. This fund helps people make the journey away from the street. Local charities can apply for funds here.
Contactless giving points
You can help local people off the streets and prevent rough sleeping by donating at contactless giving points across our area. Just tap a payment card to donate £3.00. 100% of your donation supports local homeless people.
- HSBC UK Bournemouth: 59 Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth BH1 1EH
- Hilton Hotel Bournemouth: Terrace Rd, Bournemouth BH2 5EL
- Half-time: 55 Westover Rd, Bournemouth BH1 2BZ
- Central Library Bournemouth: 22 The Triangle, Bournemouth BH2 5RQ
- Hope & More: 171 Seabourne Rd, Bournemouth BH5 2HH
- HSBC UK Poole: 165-167 High St, Poole BH15 1AU
- Gather: 110 Dolphin Centre, Poole BH15 1SZ
- HSBC UK Christchurch: 15 High St, Christchurch BH23 1AF
- Christchurch Baptist Church: 49 Bargates, Christchurch BH23 1QT
- Citizens Advice Mobile Van (various locations)
Report rough sleeping
If you see someone rough sleeping, contact the St Mungo's team at 01202 315962 or email b&pstreetoutreach@mungos.org. They provide street-level help daily. You can also refer individuals via the Streetlink team at 0300 500 0914 or via their app.
If someone needs emergency help, call 999.