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.
| Location | Date | Time |
| Rossmore Library, Herbert Avenue, Poole BH12 4HR | 26 February, 5 March and 12 March 2025 | from 12:30pm to 2:30pm |
| Castlepoint Library, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth BH8 9UP | 5 April and 12 April 2025 | from 10am to midday |
| Christchurch Library, 29 High Street, Christchurch, BH23 1AW |
7 April, 14 April and 27 April 2025 |
from 10am to midday |
Our volunteer fairs
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.
| Location | Date | Time |
| The Gather Space, Dolphin Centre, Poole, BH15 1SZ | 18 September 2025 | from 10am to 3pm |
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 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.
Volunteer to drive for people who find it difficult to travel
Poole Community Transport Services provide transport for people who find it difficult to travel to appointments and other essential journeys.
Other local volunteering opportunities
For other volunteer opportunities in the area check the Community Action Network (CAN) website.
Our strategy
You can read our Voluntary and Community Sector and Volunteering Strategy and our report on the first year.