We work together to support local people
Volunteer Centre Dorset works with volunteers, partners, and local organisations to help people overcome challenges, maintain their independence, and stay connected to their communities.
We work alongside referrers across the Dorset Council area, providing practical support and connecting people with the services they need to live well, stay independent and feel connected to their communities.
Help someone to volunteer
We can support people to explore volunteering, find suitable opportunities and overcome barriers that may make getting involved more difficult.
Refer someone for practical or social support
Explore our services providing practical help, social connection and support for people experiencing difficult circumstances.
Find other support in Dorset
If we aren’t the right service, we can help you identify voluntary and community organisations providing specialist support across Dorset.
Our community support services
Our community-based services provide practical help and social support to people who may need a little extra help to stay independent, connected and well at home. Referrers can work with us to identify the support that best fits the person’s circumstances.
Community Response Volunteers
Our team of volunteers provide one-off or short-term practical help with everyday tasks that a friend or neighbour might typically do. Support can include shopping, collecting prescriptions, pet care and welfare checks.
Community Green Team
Our Community Workers and volunteers provide practical, on-the-ground help for some of Dorset’s most vulnerable residents. Support includes maintenance gardening, moving furniture, delivering and installing essential items, and small household jobs.
Community Buddies
Our Community Buddies provides regular social connection for people who may be lonely, isolated or lacking confidence to access local places. Volunteers offer companionship through phone calls, home visits or activities in the local community.
More ways we can help
We also provide a range of targeted support for people facing particular challenges, including financial hardship, difficulties at home or returning home safely from hospital. Explore the services below to find out what support is available and who may be eligible.
Small Energy Saving Adaptations
We provide small household items that can help people stay warmer while reducing their energy use and household costs. Support can include items such as energy-saving lightbulbs, heated throws, room heaters and energy-efficient cooking appliances.
Emergency Local Assistance
We provide practical support for people experiencing an unexpected crisis or severe financial pressure. This can include people leaving care or temporary accommodation, fleeing domestic abuse, dealing with a disaster such as a flood or fire, or facing exceptional financial hardship.
Hospital Inpatient & Discharge Support
Our team provides support at Dorset County Hospital to help patients and carers access voluntary and community services during their hospital stay and when returning home. We can help with discharge planning, identify community support and activities, and connect people with appropriate local services.
Looking for other support in Dorset?
We know that the right support won’t always come from one of our own services. We work closely with voluntary and community organisations across Dorset and can help connect people with other local services offering specialist advice, practical help, social activities and wellbeing support.
