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We connect people and strengthen communities

Volunteer Centre Dorset works with individuals and organisations to create opportunities, build connections, and provide practical support where it’s needed most.

We help people and organisations across the Dorset Council area to make a positive difference in their communities.

Volunteers

Support for people across Dorset who want to volunteer, already give their time, or are helping someone else to volunteer, with opportunities and guidance.

Volunteering and opportunities >>>

Organisations

Support for local Voluntary and Community Sector organisations across the Dorset Council area, covering volunteer recruitment, training and practical resources.

Support for VCS organisations >>>

Referrers

Support for professionals across Dorset Council, the NHS and Voluntary and Community Sector who work directly with people and refer or signpost them to wider support and services.

Information about support services >>>

Volunteering Opportunities

Dorset is home to a wide range of fantastic local charities and community groups, with plenty of meaningful ways to get involved and make a difference.

Whether you want to try something new, meet people or support a cause close to your heart, there are opportunities to explore.

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Organisations across Dorset
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Volunteers across Dorset
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Latest Volunteering Opportunities

Take a look at some of the latest ways to get involved across Dorset.

Hydration Station Volunteers needed – 11 October 2026

Youth Cancer Trust are hosting a water station (hydration station) at the Run Bournemouth event on Sunday 11 October. 9.45am – 3pm. They are looking for volunteers.

Read more >>>

Weekly Work Party Volunteers Wanted

Volunteer Work Parties are a great way to start practical volunteering. Meet new people, learn a skill and enjoy the wonderful scenery and wildlife of Durlston, while helping protect it.

Read more >>>

Community Response Volunteering: A Helping Hand and a Friendly Face

Could you occasionally help someone in your local area? We’re looking for Community Response Volunteers across the Dorset Council area. Get in touch with us to find out more and sign up.

Read more >>>

Latest Newsletter for Volunteers – September 2026

Discover new ways to get involved, inspiring volunteer stories and the latest opportunities and news from across Dorset.

Read more >>>

Layla’s Volunteering Story

“Making a difference means a lot to me, and I have met a great community of people that I look forward to seeing every week.”

Read more >>>

Latest Newsletter for Volunteers – August 2026

Discover new ways to get involved, inspiring volunteer stories and the latest opportunities and news from across Dorset.

Read more >>>

View all volunteering opportunities >>>

Latest News

Keep up to date with the latest news, opportunities, stories and updates from Volunteer Centre Dorset and across the local voluntary and community sector.

Hydration Station Volunteers needed – 11 October 2026

Youth Cancer Trust are hosting a water station (hydration station) at the Run Bournemouth event on Sunday 11 October. 9.45am – 3pm. They are looking for volunteers.

Read more >>>

Weekly Work Party Volunteers Wanted

Volunteer Work Parties are a great way to start practical volunteering. Meet new people, learn a skill and enjoy the wonderful scenery and wildlife of Durlston, while helping protect it.

Read more >>>

Chloe’s Volunteering Story

“If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, there’s no better time to get involved.”

Read more >>>

Community Response Volunteering: A Helping Hand and a Friendly Face

Could you occasionally help someone in your local area? We’re looking for Community Response Volunteers across the Dorset Council area. Get in touch with us to find out more and sign up.

Read more >>>

Make Time for Your Organisation this September

September is a great time to refocus, learn something new and think about what could make a difference to your organisation in the months ahead.

Read more >>>

Dorset is Changing – Make Sure the VCS Voice is Heard

Dorset Council is preparing a new Local Plan. Organisations and interest groups are specifically among those being invited to contribute.

Read more >>>

Read all news >>>

The Positive Impact of Volunteering

We love sharing the stories of inspiring people who give their time to volunteer across Dorset. Volunteers make an incredible difference to local charities, community groups and the people they support – while often gaining new friendships, skills, confidence and a greater sense of purpose themselves. Discover the positive impact volunteering can have.

Read stories of volunteering >>>

Inspirational Stories

Chloe’s Volunteering Story

“If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, there’s no better time to get involved.”

Read more >>>

Richard’s Volunteering Story

“I can genuinely say that the Green Team volunteering has been one of the best experiences I’ve had. Helping people makes you feel good!.”

Read more >>>

Susan and Diane’s Story

“After a few weeks I was able to call her a real friend – and you can’t ask for more than that!”

Read more >>>

Abi’s Volunteering Story

“My name is Abi, I’m 19 and volunteering at The Community Waffle House has changed my life in ways I never thought were possible.”

Read more >>>

Layla’s Volunteering Story

“Making a difference means a lot to me, and I have met a great community of people that I look forward to seeing every week.”

Read more >>>

Mary’s Volunteering Story

“I know that small acts of kindness not only improve the lives of others, but also enrich my own.”

Read more >>>

Training & Learning

Our free training helps VCS organisations, staff and volunteers across Dorset build knowledge, develop confidence and strengthen good practice. Sessions cover a range of essential topics, including safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, funding and governance.

Safeguarding for VCS Leaders (Managers, Trustees etc)

22 September 2026

2pm-3:30pm

Online

Safeguarding is not just the responsibility of frontline staff or a nominated safeguarding lead — it is a key leadership and governance responsibility for every community organisation and charity.

Find out more >>>

Volunteer Management Essentials

24 September 2026

10am-2:30pm

Dorchester

Session 2 – Developing an Effective Induction. A strong induction helps volunteers feel welcomed, confident and ready to contribute from the very beginning.

Find out more >>>

VCS Volunteer & Staff Safeguarding Awareness

7 October 2026

10am-11am

Online

Boost your community group’s confidence and capability with our online Safeguarding Adults Awareness Course.

Find out more >>>

Emergency First Aid at Work

9 October 2026

9am-5pm

Dorchester

Accredited First Aid Training for a Safer Community & Workplace.

Find out more >>>

Roles and Responsibilities of Trustees

15 October 2026

1pm-3pm

Dorchester

Find out more about the legal responsibilities laid on trustees by the Charity Commission.

Find out more >>>

What is Good Governance?

15 October 2026

9:30am-11:30am

Dorchester

This is the chance to develop a fundamental set of skills which underpin excellent management within an organisation.

Find out more >>>

Volunteering For All

15 October 2026

10am-11am

Online

Accessible Volunteering: Opening the Door to More Volunteers.

Find out more >>>

Funding 3: Writing Strong Grant Applications

20 October 2026

10am-11am

Online

Write clearer, stronger and more persuasive grant applications.

Find out more >>>

Volunteer Management Essentials

22 October 2026

10am-2:30pm

Dorchester

Session 3 – Fostering and Maintaining Engagement with Volunteers. Volunteer engagement is built through strong relationships, clear communication, meaningful recognition and a sense of belonging.

Find out more >>>

View all training >>>

Networks

Our VCS networking events bring together organisations, community groups and local partners from across Dorset to connect, share ideas and build relationships. Come along to meet others, learn what’s happening locally and discover opportunities to collaborate and support stronger communities.

Upcoming Networks

Town Council VCS Meeting: Weymouth

20 October 2026

10:15am-1pm

Join this local network to connect, collaborate and engage in local action.

Find out more >>>

Dorset Connect: Blandford Forum

12 November 2026

9:30am-12pm

Join your local Dorset Connect Network, to connect, collaborate, engage and create positive change for the people and places in our neighbourhoods.

Find out more >>>

Dorset Connect: Sherborne

17 November 2026

9:30am-11:30am

Join your local Dorset Connect Network, to connect, collaborate, engage and create positive change for the people and places in our neighbourhoods.

Find out more >>>

Dorset Connect: Shaftesbury & Gillingham

18 November 2026

9:30am-11:30am

Join your local Dorset Connect Network, to connect, collaborate, engage and create positive change for the people and places in our neighbourhoods.

Find out more >>>

Dorset Connect: Swanage

30 November 2026

1pm-3:30pm

Join your local Dorset Connect Network, to connect, collaborate, engage and create positive change for the people and places in our neighbourhoods.

Find out more >>>

Dorset Connect: Ferndown & Wimborne

1 December 2026

9:30am-11:30am

Join your local Dorset Connect Network, to connect, collaborate, engage and create positive change for the people and places in our neighbourhoods.

Find out more >>>

View all networks >>>