There are many ways to volunteer in our area. Being a volunteer gives you the chance to help out your local community, make a difference to other people's lives, and improve your mental and physical wellbeing.
Our community volunteering opportunities map shows where we are looking for volunteers.
Come along and find out more information about volunteering for us.
Our volunteer drop-ins
If you are passionate about your local community and are interested in finding out about the huge range of volunteering opportunities with us, then please come along to one of our volunteer drop-ins.
Our volunteer coordinator will be delighted to have an informal chat with you. They will be able to let you know what volunteer opportunities are available locally, and of the benefits of volunteering.
| Date | Time | Location |
| Friday 21 November | from 10:15am to 12:15pm | Creekmoor Library, 34 Northmead Drive, Creekmoor, Poole, BH17 7XZ |
| Monday 12 January 2026 | from 10am to midday | Muscliff Youth Access Point, Shillingstone Drive, Bournemouth BH9 3LR |
| Monday 26 January 2026 | from 10am to midday | Muscliff Youth Access Point, Shillingstone Drive, Bournemouth BH9 3LR |
Our volunteer fairs
| Date | Time | Location |
| Monday 9 February 2026 | from 10am to 12:30pm | 29 High Street, Christchurch, BH23 1AW |
| Wednesday 25 February 2026 | from 10am to 3pm | Gather Space, Dolphin Centre, Poole, BH15 1SZ |
We are looking for people who share a passion for their local community to volunteer with us.
If you are interested in finding out about the huge range of volunteering opportunities across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, please come along to one of our volunteer fairs.
We have a range of volunteer projects, and we will provide you with the chance to network and understand the volunteering roles available to you. Our volunteer coordinator will be there to help guide you in discovering exciting volunteering roles.
Volunteer at parks, libraries and museums
You can help out at our parks, libraries and museums through volunteering. Opportunities include:
- our parks and green spaces, including conservation, visitor centre and litter picking opportunities
- your local library, including Tech Buddies, home deliveries and teaching children to code
- Highcliffe Castle, including costumed interpreter, family activity, tour guide and archive roles
- Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, including music, garden and creative events roles
- Poole Museums - a variety of roles will become available when the museums reopen following extensive redevelopment work
- Poole Park Railway, helping to take park visitors on a leisurely trip around Poole Park
- Arts by the Sea festival and cultural events opportunities
- becoming a walk leader for our health walks
Volunteer to help children and families
You can help improve the lives of children and families by volunteering at:
- our early help family hubs, including group support and admin support
- mentoring a young care leaver in our community
Volunteer for the Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service
Being a Panel Member at Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service (YJS) means joining a team of friendly and skilled volunteers. We seek community members to support young people in completing their Referral Orders.
Volunteer at our reclaimed items shop
Our reclaimed items shop, new to you, supports disadvantaged local people by offering items that might otherwise be thrown away. The shop is staffed by volunteers.
Volunteers to support adult education
Skills and Learning (adult community education) are looking for volunteers to support their learners whilst they are attending a variety of courses throughout the county. You will be working with a Group Tutor to facilitate the process of learning for adults in a way which enhances their personal development.
Other local volunteering opportunities
For other volunteer opportunities in the area check the Community Action Network (CAN) website.