Welcome to Dorset Community Action
Empowering Communities, Creating Solutions.
For over 50 years, Dorset Community Action has been at the heart of empowering and supporting Dorset’s communities and driving positive change.
We believe in a better Dorset for everyone and we’re here to support the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector with the skills, resources and knowledge needed to make that vision a reality.
Our Mission:
Our mission is simple: to bring people together to develop community-based solutions that enhance services and create a stronger Dorset by:
- Developing neighbourhoods and places through practical community projects;
- Supporting people with their training and skills development and;
- Undertaking third sector development and research.
Our Vision for Dorset:
A Thriving Voluntary and Community Sector: we support a vibrant network of over 3000 organisations, ensuring they have the training and tools to succeed in making a lasting impact.
Affordable Housing for All: we’re committed to creating sustainable, affordable housing options to preserve and strengthen our rural communities.
Community Driven Health and Social Care: by amplifying local voices, we aim to ensure that health and social care services are shaped by and for our communities.
People better able to tackle cost of living challenges: through our local food and energy efficiency training, fostering resilience and sustainability, helping our communities to thrive.
Revitalised Community Hubs: by supporting village halls and community centres as the backbone of thriving rural areas, bringing people together and delivering better social care services.
More local jobs in our communities: through our supported employment and enterprise programmes, combatting underemployment and unlocking young people’s potential.
Together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities. Let’s create a better Dorset for all.
Join our Rural Network
As a proud member of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) we provide you the latest national policy updates and funding information on issues that matter.
Sector Experience
With decades of experience in the VCSE sector, our team offers tailored support to tackle the challenges you face, from health and social care to employment and community building.
Independent Voice
As an independent voice, we advocate for Dorset's VCSE sector, free from political agendas.
DCA is a member of the Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) network, England’s largest grouping of rural community support charities. ACRE and its 38 county-based member organisations, work together to advocate on behalf of rural communities, and support a wide range of community-led initiatives using nationally established good practice.
Sign up as a Member to gain our extra funding bulletins, or click to receive our e-newsletter.
If you need something extra then please use this ‘quick help’ form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.