Courses, Classes & Groups in Poole

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.

Poole and Parkstone Productions, commonly known as P&P, is a long-established performing arts society offering musical theatre, choirs and drama in Poole. With more than 150 members, the group stages major musicals, plays, concerts and community performances at venues including Lighthouse Poole and The Spire. Adults can join its auditioned performance sections or the non-auditioned InSpire Daytime Voices choir, while volunteers are also welcomed for backstage, technical, costume and production roles.

Girlguiding Poole provides weekly groups, activities and adventures for girls and young women aged four to 18. Local Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers meet across Poole, including Parkstone, Canford Heath, Branksome and Wallisdown. Led by trained volunteers, sessions help members build confidence, friendships and practical skills through games, crafts, outdoor activities, badges, community projects, camps and trips. Families can search for nearby units and register their interest through Girlguiding’s official website.

InSpire Daytime Voices is a friendly, non-auditioned community choir for adults meeting on Tuesday mornings in Poole town centre. Run by Poole and Parkstone Productions, the choir welcomes experienced singers and complete beginners, with no requirement to read music. Members sing a varied repertoire covering pop, jazz, folk and classical music, with optional opportunities to perform at concerts and community events. New members can attend their first rehearsal free of charge.

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.