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Find local charities, fundraising events and volunteering opportunities supporting people, animals and the environment |
Branksome Chine Surf Life Saving Club is a volunteer-led lifesaving and water sports club based at Branksome Chine Beach in Poole. The club provides beach safety education, first aid, rescue training and competitive surf lifesaving for children, teenagers and adults. Members train throughout the year using a mixture of sea, beach and indoor activities, while qualified volunteers also support local beach patrols and promote water safety across the Bournemouth and Poole coastline.
Poole Men’s Shed is a friendly workshop and social group based at the Limelights Centre in Canford Heath. The registered charity gives local people, particularly men, a welcoming place to meet, share practical skills and work on personal or community projects. Members can enjoy woodworking, making and repairing items, organised activities and informal conversation, helping people stay active, build friendships and reduce loneliness or social isolation in Poole.
Amelia’s Rainbow is a Dorset children’s charity helping families facing serious illness, life-limiting conditions and disabilities. Inspired by the kindness of Bournemouth girl Amelia Grace Cooper, the charity provides personalised gifts, free family holidays, beach hut visits and memorable experiences. From its Christmas Toy Appeal to community fundraising events, discover the people behind Amelia’s Rainbow, the support available to families and how local residents, schools and businesses can get involved.
Celebrate the festive season at Julia’s House Big Community Sing in Poole on Saturday 12 December 2026. Taking place at St Peter’s Church in Parkstone, this candlelit Christmas event brings together the Julia’s House Choir and vocal group Cadence for an evening of familiar carols, festive favourites and community singing. With Martin Clunes advertised to attend, the event promises a heartwarming evening while raising vital funds for local children and families supported by Julia’s House.
Poole District Scouts provides Scouting activities for children, teenagers and young adults across Poole. Local groups offer Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Scout Network, helping members build confidence, friendships and practical skills through games, outdoor adventures, camping, community projects and badge work. Groups meet in neighbourhoods including Hamworthy, Lilliput, Parkstone, Broadstone, Branksome and Canford Heath, although some sections operate waiting lists.
Poole u3a is a large learning and social organisation for people who are no longer in full-time employment. Based at The Spire in Poole town centre, it has more than 900 members and offers over 80 informal classes alongside walks, talks, day trips and social activities. Members can explore interests ranging from languages and history to music, fitness, crafts and technology, while meeting new people in a relaxed, supportive environment with no exams or qualifications.
Poole Communities Trust is a registered charity supporting residents across Branksome, Bourne and Turlin Moor. The organisation runs community centres, affordable activities, youth sessions, family events, cafés, food stores and local support services designed to help people connect, learn and stay active. It also works with residents to develop community-led projects, making it an important source of practical support, social opportunities and low-cost activities in Poole.
Julia's House is a children's hospice charity supporting families across Dorset and Wiltshire through specialist care, respite services, fundraising, volunteering and community initiatives that make a lasting difference.
Looking for friendly clubs to join in Poole? From a relaxed running group where nobody is left behind to community singing, board games, gardening and the wide-ranging activities offered by Poole u3a, there are plenty of ways to meet people through a shared interest. These welcoming local groups suit different ages, abilities and personalities, including those who would rather focus on an activity than walk into a purely social event and begin conversations with strangers.
Poole brothers Robbie and Ashley Cowler are preparing to walk 312 miles from Anfield in Liverpool to Hamworthy to raise money towards specialist cancer treatment for their father, Nigel Cowler. The challenge begins on 12 October 2026 and is expected to finish in Poole on 24 October, when a charity fundraising night will also take place in Hamworthy.
Every Paw Matters is a Bournemouth-based charity dedicated to supporting pets and their owners in need across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, and surrounding areas.
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