Diverse Abilities is asking every to spend a night outside in a cardboard shelter at The Treehouse in Christchurch, raising funds to support families with disabilities. The Cardboard Campout event takes place on the 19th of September, carrying on the torch from the YMCA who ran the event in previous years. Registration includes cardboard boxes, dinner, security and breakfast.

Dorset Mind’s BIG Walk returns on 27 September 2026 as a community coastal walking event supporting local mental health services across Dorset. Participants can choose a 30km coastal challenge from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head and back, a shorter 5km wellbeing walk from Sandbanks to Branksome Chine Beach, or a mid-route join option. Bookings are now open if you'd like to take part.

The Power House is celebrating two years of its community hub in Hamworthy and is inviting more local people to get involved. Based at 170 Blandford Road, the hub offers a friendly place to be creative, meet others, volunteer, garden and have a relaxed chat. Its Cornerstone Patch community garden also gives people of all ages a chance to grow vegetables and flowers, learn new skills and spend time outdoors. The charity says the hub has helped people build friendships, confidence and connection, with its tenth anniversary coming next year.

Home-Start Wessex is looking for compassionate, friendly volunteers to support local families with young children who are going through a difficult time. Volunteers can help through regular home visits or by supporting local family groups. No formal qualifications are needed, just empathy, understanding and a few hours to spare each week. Full training and ongoing support are provided, and travel expenses are reimbursed. Anyone interested can visit the Home-Start Wessex website to find out more and apply.

The CRUMBS Project is taking part in the Dorset Plane Pull 2026 to raise funds for its disability training work in Dorset. Teams of 20 will pull a 35,000kg Boeing 737 over 50 metres, with the fastest time winning. The event takes place at Bournemouth Aviation Park on Bank Holiday Monday, 31 August 2026, from 10am. Supporters can join the pulling team, come along to cheer, or donate through the JustGiving campaign. Funds will help CRUMBS provide hospitality, catering and life skills training for adults with physical, learning and social needs.

The Gym Group Bournemouth is fundraising for NHS Charities Together. The fundraiser supports a network of NHS charities that help staff, patients and local communities, including funding equipment, wellbeing spaces, technology and research. The Bournemouth gym has a £450 target, contributing to The Gym Group’s wider aim to raise £100,000 in 2026 through activities across gyms and support teams.

Dorset Council is opening Round 11 of its Community and Culture Project Fund for small grants to not-for-profit groups. The fund supports new activities and events that benefit local communities, with help available for applications and guidance on eligibility, governance and the online form.

Southern Union Chorus, Dorset’s only male barbershop chorus, is inviting people to try a free four-week “Learn to Sing in Harmony” course in Poole. The course starts on the 5th of October, and offers up to eight hours of coaching, and is open to anyone who can sing reasonably in tune.

Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s Disability Charity is offering free multi-sensory sessions for families with babies aged up to 2 years who have complex medical conditions. The sessions at The Treehouse in Hurn provide a safe, supportive place for babies to explore, with experts on hand to answer questions and offer advice.

Home-Start Wessex is holding a volunteer recruitment event at its charity shop in Saxon Square, Christchurch, on Wednesday the twenty-third of September, from ten until two. It's for anyone wanting to support local families, meet new people or give a few hours each week. Members of the team will be available to answer questions and explain what it is like to volunteer in the shop.

The Saturday Art School at Arts University Bournemouth is a new creative course listing for young people interested in art and design. Whether they’re just discovering their artistic spark or building confidence and skills for future study, Saturday Art School gives young people the freedom to experiment, grow and have fun with their creativity on a state-of-the-art campus.

A Bournemouth car wash is donating an entire day’s income to the Dorset Children’s Foundation. Every penny paid for car washes at A1 Car Wash on Southwick Road on Sunday the eleventh of October will help the charity support local children and families. Local motorists are encouraged to take part, just turn up as normal anytime on the day.