#WillDoes
We are a charity fundraising and supporting young people’s mental well-being through activities. We cover Dorset and the surrounding area.
To promote any charitable purpose (including the promotion of education, physical health, mental health and social inclusion) and contribute financially to charitable projects for the benefit of young people in Dorset and the surrounding areas.
Introducing young people to sports and other activities to help them connect and engage socially, rather than retreat to more insular gaming and social media pastimes and to develop coping mechanisms to help manage anxiety and emotions, increase self-awareness, developing trust and relationships.
ABandOfBrothers
An award-winning UK charity providing mentoring for young men facing adversity – supporting them through rites of passage into a responsible, fulfilling adulthood.
Meetings at the Focus Centre on Mondays from 19:00 – 21:00, but not every week so need to check.
Access Wellbeing Mental Health
Access Wellbeing offers free mental health and wellbeing support to anyone aged 18 and over in Dorset, with no appointment needed.
Whatever’s on your mind, our friendly wellbeing coordinators can take the time to listen, then help you to find a way forward – whether that’s for your mental health and emotional wellbeing, or practical worries such as money, work or housing.
General enquiries: 0800 870 8222
Weekly drop-in at the Focus Centre, Swanage, Mondays 10:00 – 16:00
Alcoholics Anonymous
At AA, alcoholics help each other. We will support you. You are not alone. Together, we find strength and hope. You are one step away.
Focus Centre, Swanage every Tuesday 19:45 – 21:15
All Things Bright and Beautiful
For carers and those they care for – every Tuesday at 2.30pm at St Mary’s Church Swanage, a short simple service followed by tea, cake and chat.
Allsort’d
A Community Interest Company based in Dorset. Providing bespoke learning support for young adults with learning disabilities and associated difficulties in their own communities: access to work, volunteering, leisure and living with greater independence.
Focus Centre, Swanage
Art For Fun
Join us at Andy Knill Art Studio, 21 Commerical Rd, Swanage, between Chococo and The Little Garden Gift Shop.
We are here Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays between 10am and 5pm.
Suitable for all ages and abilities – Parent/carers must stay with children.
Art Workshop
Gently therapeutic art and craft, suitable for beginners and improvers. People with disabilities and life challenges especially welcome.
Welcoming and supportive community. £6.50 per session payable for a half term in advance. Introductory session £8.
People on income-related benefits can apply for a Bursary – £2 per session. Friday Mornings in term time 10am–12pm.
The Loft Community Centre, Commercial Road, Swanage
Baby and Toddler Groups
MOST GROUPS RUN TERM TIMES ONLY
Monday
Growing together under 1’s – Focus Centre 10:30 – 11:30, booking required.
Young Talkers – Focus Centre 13:30 – 15:00, booking required
All Saints Toddler Group – All Saints Church 9:15 – 11:00
Nature Tots – Discovery Centre, Knoll Beach, Studland 10:00 – 11:30 but not every week.
Tuesday
Newborn Hearing Clinic – Focus Centre 9:00 – 14:00
First Steps Toddler Group – Methodist Church 10:00 – 11:30
Wednesday
Health Visiting Baby weigh and drop-in – Focus Centre 10:00 – 11:30am
Seahorses Homestart Wessex – Herston Village Hall 9:30 – 11:00
Thursday
EBC Tots – Emmanuel Baptist Church 10:00 – 11:30
Friday
BFN Infant Feeding Support Group – Focus Centre 9:45 – 11:15
Rhyme Time – Swanage Library 11:00 – 11:30
Putlake Toddlers – Salt Pig, The Farm Putlake 10:30 – 12:30, £3 adults, £6 children
Belverdere Singers
We are a non-auditioning mixed choir with 4 voice parts. We have a professional Music Director and Accompanist and learn a wide range of music to perform at 2 concerts per year.
We are a registered charity and each concert supports a nominated charity via a retiring collection. All ages and abilities are welcome. We rehearse at Emanuel Baptist Church, Victoria Avenue, Swanage.
We perform concerts at St. Mary’s Church, Kings Road, Swanage.
Rehearsals are at Emanuel Baptist Church on Tuesdays 7:30pm-9:30pm, roughly following school term time dates, so we meet September to December, January to Easter and post Easter to June, with breaks.
Anyone can come to try us out for 2 weeks before joining. Subscriptions are paid in 3 termly parts and equate to roughly £5 a week.
Better Health, Every Mind Matters
We all have times when we feel low, anxious or overwhelmed. But little things, like talking to a friend or taking a moment to breathe, can help us feel much better.
This website shows you simple and practical ways to ease anxiety, manage stress, lift your mood and sleep better, through proven approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
BFN Infant Feeding Support Group
Friendly peer led infant feeding support group offering free infant feeding support, specifically around breastfeeding, pumping and mixed feeding. Refreshments available and activities provided for older siblings, Swanage have an outdoor area and some lovely helpers who can do activities with older children while you sit and feed your baby or chat. A fun social group for mums to meet and support each other.
Weekly group runs at Swanage Focus Centre on Fridays from 9.45-11.15. Please come along for friendly mother-to-mother peer support, chat, coffee, tea and biscuits and fruit snacks (Often more 🎂).
Wareham group runs at Wareham Youth Centre Wednesday 10-11.30
Overseen by The Breastfeeding Network (BfN), peer supporters have had training from Real Baby Milk (RBM), the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM) or Families and Babies (FAB). Peer supporters can signpost to specialist support when required.
Outside of group meetings, support can be accessed via the usual routes (midwife or health visitor for early days) or the National Breastfeeding Network helpline 0300 100 0212
Chat Health NHS Dorset
ChatHealth is a confidential text messaging service that enables children and young people (aged 11-19) in Dorset to send questions via text message to their school nursing team. They will then receive a reply that includes signposting to additional services.
Includes a range of things including: Relationships, Weight, Anxiety, Depression, Drugs, Smoking, Stress, Alcohol, Self harm, Sexual health.
Child Speech and Language Therapy
Our children and young people’s speech and language therapy service works with children, young people, their families and other professionals. We support those with speech, language and communication needs. We also provide care for children and young people with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties.
The help we provide you and your child is based on their individual needs. We work with you and the preschool or school setting, so that advice and interventions can be practiced regularly.
Focus Centre, Swanage on Wednesdays – only available by booking.
Childline
Information advice and support for children. Talk to a counsellor confidentially.
Includes a range of things including: Relationships, feelings, bullying, abuse, Anxiety, Depression etc.
Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through.
You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, our trained counsellors are here to support you.
Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night. You can talk to us:
Whatever feels best for you.
Citizens Advice East Dorset and Purbeck
Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck is an independent charity that provides free, confidential and impartial advice and support. Their goal is to help everyone find a way forward, whatever their problem.
Help available online but also in person at the following drop in sessions:
Herston Hall, Jubilee Road, Swanage, Monday 10-12
The Focus Centre, 107, High Street, Swanage, Tuesday 10-12
Swanage main beach car park bus Friday 9.30-12.30
CAB, 2 Mill Lane Wareham Tuesday and Thursday 10-12
Community Pantry
A food waste project collecting good quality food that would otherwise go to waste from supermarkets. Based at the community café at Herston Village Hall on a Monday morning 10am-12pm.
With pop up pantries when there is surplus food – free to collect bring a bag!
Follow our Facebook page for information.
Donations of surplus food is always welcome.
Cruse Bereavement Support
National Charity helping people through one of the most painful times in life – bereavement support, information and campaigning.
Domestic Abuse Support
Supports victims and survivors of domestic abuse. They provide specialist trauma-informed support and advocacy to those aged 5-18. They work those who have experienced domestic abuse within the family home. This might be directly, as a witness or within their own intimate relationships. The service will also support CYP’s living in refuge accommodation.
Dorset Blind Association
Social clubs, mobile equipment service, home visits and telephone befrienders.
Swanage Social Club meeting every 4th Tuesday (not August).
The Rectory Classroom St Mary’s Church 2:30pm-4:30pm.
Contact Velleta Cracknell 07761 459997 or 01202 712860
velleta@dorsetblind.org.uk
Dorset Council Cost of Living Support
Money worries take up lots of headspace, leaving you with much less mental energy and time to make good decisions about your money. Remembering to look after yourself can also be hard. Talking to someone can help point you in the right direction and provide the strength to tackle problems. Reach out early for whatever help you need if you are struggling in any way. If small problems have already become bigger ones, get support now.
We can offer free, confidential and impartial support on:
- Money worries
- Accessing affordable food
- Housing and employment rights
- Looking after your Physical & Mental Health
Dorset Council Family Information Service
Dorset Family Information Service (FIS) is a free, impartial information service for parents and carers of children and young people aged up to 19, or up to 25 years for those with special educational needs or disability (SEND).
Find activities and things to do for families. Support and services, Health and Wellbeing.
Dorset Council Housing Support
Local council support and advice for housing needs. Including Homelessness, Advice for landlords and tenants, home adaptations and more.
Dorset Council Schools and Learning
Information about schools including school admissions and placements, home schooling, free school meals, school transport and policies, SEND in schools and childcare funding.
Dorset Health Visiting Service
The health visiting service works with children and their families to promote health and wellbeing from the antenatal period up until five years of age.
Health visitors can provide advice and support on a range of health matters including:
- transition to parenthood and early weeks maternal mental health (perinatal depression)
- breastfeeding
- healthy weight, healthy nutrition and physical activity
- managing minor illness and reducing accidents
- health, wellbeing and development of the child, including support to be ready for school.
Drop in at the Focus Centre every Wednesday 10-11.30am for general clinic and baby weighing or Tuesdays 9:00 – 14:00 1st and 3rd of each month for newborn hearing check
Dorset Home Library Service
The Home Library Service offers a free regular delivery of books and talking books, chosen individually for each person. It is available to those who cannot easily get to the library due to health or mobility issues, including carers.
We provide a regular supply of reading materials, as well as a much looked forward to visit by a trusted volunteer.
Covering all of Dorset (our volunteers deliver books and talking books from Swanage, Corfe Castle, Wareham and Wool Libraries across the whole of the Purbeck area).
Deliveries are made every 3 weeks on a regular day and time; people can contact the Home Library Service on 01305 236666, or speak to a member of staff at any library to apply for the service.
Dorset Mental Health Forum
Their mission is to increase understanding of Physical & Mental Health, to support people’s Recovery and to build capacity within services and communities to bring about change.
they deliver the mission through four Strategic Aims:
- Increasing understanding of Physical & Mental Health through Recovery Education and Co-production.
- Supporting and enabling people to live the lives they wish to live.
- Developing capacity and building connected communities across Dorset.
- Influencing and transforming local services with the collective voice of lived experience.
- Over the years, we have been able to bring lived experience expertise and people’s voices to the heart of statutory service design and delivery, influencing and driving culture change throughout local Physical & Mental Health services in Dorset.
Dorset Mind
Dorset Mind aim to deliver life-changing support to the people of Dorset, providing mental health services and resources for adults and children across the county.
Dorset NHS Pain Management
Dorset pain management service provide specialist support for people living with persistent pain, helping them to lead as fulfilling and independent lives as possible.
Their community pain service deals with all forms of chronic pain, including musculoskeletal (muscles, bones and joints), neurological (nervous system), internal organs and unexplained pain.
Dorset Pain Management Service
To help you with your pain, Dorset pain management have actually set up their four pillars model, and that’s to help you get a greater sense of control about how to live with and manage your pain. So they help people understand their body, their brain, their spinal cord.
How to become more fit in themselves, how to work with their diet and their sleep. Also how to make better life choices in terms of taking up hobbies that might have fallen by the wayside, the skills you might have, and finally help to deal with the anxiety and depression that just goes hand in hand with living with pain.
Dorset Recovery Education Centre
The Recovery Education Centre (REC) is delivered in partnership between Dorset HealthCare and the Dorset Physical & Mental Health Forum, a local peer led charity.
Offering a wide range of educational courses across Dorset which focus on recovery, wellbeing and mental health. Courses are free to attend and are open to anyone over the age of 18 years living in Dorset.
Dorset School Nursing Team
School nursing teams work with children, families, schools and other agencies to support the health and wellbeing of school-age children across Dorset. Every school in Dorset has a named school nurse, who maintains regular contact with their school to promote healthy lifestyles and offer practical advice, information and support.
The team has links with other health professionals including community paediatricians, health visitors, GPs and speech and language therapists.
Text service Parentline is available on 07312 263131
Dorset Youth
Dorset Youth (DY) values, supports and champions the local voluntary sector as they work to strengthen our local communities. The focus is on individuals and organisations working with children, young people and families, and their offer is personable, practical and purposeful. Links to all sorts of things for families and children in Dorset
Durlston Country Park
Durlston Country Park: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday between 10am-1pm meeting at the learning centre.
Shed Sessions: Monday 2pm-4pm, Tuesdays 2pm-4pm, Wednesdays 2:30pm-4:30pm and Fridays 2pm-4pm.
Email us to let us know you would like to join a work party beforehand. Thursday volunteers will need to book on to a dry-stone walling course email for details.
Tuesdays: Pleasure Grounds Project: Enhance the heritage, accessibility, and habitats throughout the Victorian landscape of the park.
Wednesdays: Reserve Conservation: Help care for our stunning National Nature Reserve. Habitat management, scrub cutting, path clearing, hedge-laying, fencing, and more!
Thursdays: Dry-stone Walling: Volunteers help maintain over six miles of dry-stone wall across the Country Park.
We welcome new walling volunteers to get started with a training session held once per month.
Please email durlston@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk for details.
Everyone needs a shed! Durlston Country Park
Everybody Needs a Shed’ was launched as part of the lottery-funded ‘Durlston Pleasure Grounds’ project. It is an accessible community work base which enables people of all ages and abilities to socialise, learn new skills, and volunteer in support of Durlston Country Park.
We welcome people with disabilities, dementia, and other long-term health problems to try a variety of wood-working, gardening, crafts, and DIY projects. No commitment or experience needed – you can even just pop in for a chat.
- Mondays 2pm-4pm – for Cuppa & Chat – enjoy a cuppa and make some new friends in the lovely woodland surroundings. Just drop in and say hello!
- Tuesday 2pm-4pm – join a ranger to help out with practical tasks to support the park – you could be painting, fixing signs, creating crafts or taking part in other DIY projects.
- Wednesdays 2.30pm-4.30pm – join our team of Lead Sheddies to take part in various activities including arts, woodwork, gardening, and more.
- Fridays 2pm-4pm – our gardening group meet to look after our vegetables, plants, and flowers, which we sell for donations on the plant stall as fundraising for the project.
Explorers Wraparound Childcare
Your children’s happiness and care is of utmost importance to us and at Explorers Childcare Group we go above and beyond to create a safe and nurturing environment for your children to develop.
As part of embedding our ethos that Explorers Nursery is an extension of your family, it is very important that you feel as welcome and integrated into the nursery as the children. We hold an open door policy at all times and all you are welcome to drop in and tour the facilities and talk to our staff who are supporting our children.
Complete Childcare is offered from 0-12 years.
We are open 50 weeks of the year.
Opening Times:
7:30am to 5.00pm Mon-Thurs
8.00am-5.00pm Friday
We are closed on bank holidays, the Christmas period and one week in early August.
Focus Centre, Swanage everyday
FAB Dorset Breastfeeding Support Charity
Breastfeeding support for pregnant and breastfeeding families including support with expressing milk and hire of breast pumps.
Social and support coffee mornings as well as virtual support for families as well as virtual support for families who may not be able to make it to a group.
Video support is offered every weekday morning. All support is free.
Wareham in person drop in on Tuesday mornings 9:30am-11:30am FAB Charity Shop, 12, West Street, Wareham, BH20 4JX. For other Dorset locations see their website.
Food for Thought Purbeck
A mobile larder based at the Children’s Centre on Chapel Lane on Wednesdays between 9.30 am and 10.30 am throughout the year.
Anyone can become a member of FareShare, with only proof of ID and address required as there is no means testing, nor a need to be in receipt of benefits. Residents can just turn up on a Wednesday morning with their ID to join the scheme.
Once membership has been processed, customers pay £2.50 as a single person, £3.50 for a two person household or £5 for a family, and food worth at least three times as much will be selected for them.
Growing Together Baby Group 0-1 years
Explore a range of activities to develop baby’s sensory awareness and cognitive development. Tips to support learning.
Booking essential due to limited spaces – 01202 868224. Optional donation of £1 per session to help cover resource costs.
Focus Centre Swanage, Monday 10:30 – 11:30, but not every week so must book in advance.
Also available in Bovington, Wareham and Upton.
Healthier Together – Young People’s Health
Support for Parents Children and Youth surrounding lots of topics.
Help and Care – Dorset Self Management Service
We offer a non-clinical social prescribing service. Clients can access sessions offered by our teams throughout Dorset who will help address issues that are affecting day to day life.
Helping a person to have more good days and feeling able to address the things that get in the way. People may have a long- term health condition, caring responsibilities, work uncertainty or money worries for example. The service helps people to self- manage the action they might decide to take and help build resilience.
On a more practical level, the service can also identify activities and support groups that may be of interest and where appropriate they can introduce them or even accompany someone to a group for the first time. We can offer telephone, video or face to face appointments or a mixture of all.
Following receipt of a referral, an initial conversation providing more details about the service and how it might help will also include agreed method of future contact. Dorset Wide Service 9am-5pm Monday to Friday 18+ Must be registered with a GP in Dorset.
Hopper Lunch Club
Join a friendly group for lunchtime outings in the Purbeck Area. Different venues, you order and pay for your own lunch and drinks.
The club usually runs alternative Thursdays. The bus will pick you up from home and take you home after lunch. We use the Disabled Club buses so mobility issues are not a problem.
Pick up times from 11:00. Transport cost is £8 a time.
Call Mo (07907 728699) or Sue (07894 035055) to book
If your child is unwell
Information from the NHS about what to do if your child is unwell.
Job Centre Plus
Jobcentre Plus is a government-funded employment agency and social security office that can be found in most cities, whose aim it is to help people of working age find employment in the UK.
A representative comes to the Focus Centre on Mondays from 10:00 – 15:00 but not every week, so need to check before coming in.
Livewell Dorset
Their mission is to help people living in Dorset lead healthier, happier lives. Coaching, support and advice is free and part of your council’s commitment to improving public health.
Mosaic Supporting Bereaved Children
Mosaic is a Dorset based charity supporting children and young people who have been bereaved of someone special, such as a parent, sibling, friend or a member of their extended family. This includes all causes of death such as long-term illness, sudden death, suicide, murder or road traffic accident.
NSPCC
Support and tips to help you keep children safe. From advice on drugs and alcohol to staying safe online and what to do if you’re worried about a child.
Advice and support for parents and families too.
Parent Talk
Down-to-earth parenting advice you can trust. Find answers to parenting questions in advice articles. Or talk to a parenting coach about anything that’s worrying you. It’s all free, and no topic is too big, small, or embarrassing.
Planet Purbeck
Coming together to care for our countryside, coast and communities. Planet Purbeck are a young organisation, ‘the new kids on the block’ if you like, connecting with the community and developing wonderful friendships as they go.
They’re from all walks of life, with teens through to those in their 80’s getting involved. Coming together like this is creating incredible energy and a nice, tingly feeling of joint purpose.
Public Health Dorset
Improving health and wellbeing across Dorset – lots of information and links to help around Dorset.
Purbeck Furniture Bank (Previously Besom)
We collect donated furniture, white goods, bed linen, crockery, cutlery, kitchen items etc from the good people of Purbeck, and offer anything needed to set up a home or replace items to those on benefits or low income.
We cover Purbeck — Upton/Lytchett Minster to the Bere Regis area and all locations South.
We deliver and collect on Thursday mornings, but the phone is available Mon-Fri
Phone: 07519 977732
Email: purbeckfbank@gmail.com
Purbeck U3A
There are groups that meet on every day of the week, please see website: purbecku3a.org.uk
There is no age limit to join, the only proviso is that members should not be in full time work. Therefore most members are over 60.
To join PU3A, there is a subscription of £16 per annum (rising to £20 on 1 September 2023). For this, members can join any of the 50 groups offered by PU3A – these range from activity groups such as cycling, walking, badminton, table tennis to language groups (French, Italian, Spanish, Latin) several book groups, art and music appreciation and also Tai Chi.
Whatever your interest there will be a group for you. Also, once a month on a Thursday morning, at Harmans Cross village hall, there is a series of talks by eminent speakers on a range of subjects. About 100 members attend these. It is an opportunity to meet other members and to hear about group activities.
Information about joining is on the website.
Reach Drug and Alcohol Service
They’re here to help you cut down or stop your drug or alcohol use. Helping you regain control of your life, by building on your strengths and supporting you to make healthy changes. Whether you need confidential support for mental health, drugs, alcohol or related challenges, you’re in the right place.
You can access help directly – there is normally no waiting time to get started.
Drop-in every Monday at the Focus Centre, Swanage.
Sands, Saving Babies Lives, Supporting Bereaved Families
Sands is a charity offering a safe space for people who have experienced pregnancy loss or the loss or a baby, available to anyone whether parent, grandparent, sibling or friend.
Seahorses Homestart Wessex Toddler Group
Weekly Term time playgroup for preschool children and their carers. Lots of fun and games, healthy snack. Everyone welcome no need to book.
Wednesday 9.30am-11am term time only.
Herston Village Hall Jubilee Road, Swanage.
SEND Dorset Local Offer
Find out about help available for children and young people (from birth to 25) who have SEND. This is called the Local Offer.
Stepping Into Nature
Have you ever had that feeling of just wanting to get out in the fresh air, have a change of scenery or do something different?
Our beautiful Dorset landscape is full of opportunities to enjoy nature in fun, social and creative ways. For some of us though, finding opportunities to enjoy nature that suits our needs are harder to come by.
Ability, confidence, and age can all influence what we can and can’t do. The Stepping into Nature project is about listening to our community in Dorset and working in partnership to enable everyone to enjoy nature.
Steps2Wellbeing Southampton & Dorset
Steps2Wellbeing is a free, NHS talking therapies service for adults over 18 years old in Dorset and Southampton City.
The service is part of Dorset HealthCare, an NHS trust which specialises in mental health support and treatment.
Accepts referrals and self-referrals – details on the website
Studland History Group
We have talks on the local area looking at it’s history. To preserve local history. Studland Village Hall.
On the third Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm. Annual membership £17 or visitors £3.50.
Sustainable Swanage
Created to positively support the community of Swanage in reducing its waste, with an emphasis on plastic, their work includes biodiversity and energy. Providing a link between different local organisations and groups and are working together to find solutions to issues that affect our local environment.
Swanage & Langton Matravers Folk Dance Club
Langton Matravers Village Hall. We meet every Tuesday evening from 7.30 pm-9.45 pm, usually for 13-week terms, with a summer break from Late July to mid-September.
No need to book just turn up. We offer physical and mental exercise for men and women – £2 per person per night, or £1 if you sign up and pay a small annual membership subscription of £5.
Swanage Bereavement Group
This is a group counselling session helping those affected by bereavement. We offer attendance for up to 10 people per session for a maximum of 10 sessions per person. The group is led by Cindy Weller, a fully accredited counsellor.
Based in the rectory classroom, Church Hill, Swanage, the meeting takes place on the first Monday of every month (except for bank holidays) and is from 11am to 12:30pm.
Space is limited to 10, and places must be booked by telephoning James Smith funeral directors on 01929 422445. We cover the Isle of Purbeck.
Swanage Communty Café
Mondays 10am till 12pm at Herston Village Hall, come and join us for a cuppa and a friendly welcome.
Citizen’s Advice Drop in every week.
Also IT help from a Digital Champion.
There is usually also food from the Community Pantry – free, but donations welcome.
Swanage Cricket Club
We provide cricketing opportunities for all whether you are an experienced player or new to the game. Swanage and Purbeck area.
There are different training sessions and matches for different groups.
Just get in contact to find out more – there are various memberships depending on your level of interest.
Swanage Croquet Club
Swanage Croquet Club was formed in 2005 and we play Golf Croquet seven days a week at the playing field in Bon Accord Road. Golf Croquet is a sport that can be enjoyed by all and played very simply or involve lots of tactics and subtle shots with games often lasting between 40-60 minutes. We welcome anyone interested in playing the game, regardless of age or ability, and we provide all equipment and guidance necessary to help you enjoy gentle exercise and mental stimulation in good company. We’ll even ‘buddy’ you up with a member to help you learn the game. So, if you’d like to try a taster session simply get in touch and let us know when you are available and we’ll get back to you.
Swanage Disabled Club
We have our social meetings/outings for local elderly/disabled residents with transport provided.
We meet every Monday at All Saints Church Hall, Ulwell, 2pm till 4pm £2 per meeting.
Contact: Sue Payne, Secretary
Swanage Food Bank
Based at United Reformed Church, 112 High Street, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2NY
Open Mons, Weds, Fridays 12pm-2.00pm.
Referrals (inc. self-referrals) by phone (07759230313) to arrange Home Delivery or time of collection from premises.
Swanage Linking Lives
Befriending service aims to reduce loneliness and improve involvement in the local community. Drop in centre for coffee and conversation.
Swanage Sailing Club
Swanage Sailing Club offers sailing for all ages and abilities in a friendly family atmosphere, a full sailing programme and free adult and junior training. You don’t even need a boat. We’re always happy to welcome new members whether experienced sailors or those new to the pleasure of “messing about in boats”.
The present Club has embraced a whole new range of craft, including Picos, Fusions, Argos, Fevas, Wayfarers, Lasers, Toppers and Darts. Swanage provides the complete spectrum of weather conditions for sailing. In the Bay there is sheltered sailing for the novice whilst to seaward, high speed action for the more experienced sailor.
There is a full sailing season with many cup races, exchange visits from other clubs, and Spring Summer and Autumn Series of races. The club also offers free training for adults and children.
The Club House, situated on Buck Shore has it’s own bar, galley, showers and changing rooms. The Clubs atmosphere has always been friendly, and enjoys a high proportion of Family memberships.
The social activities are an integral part of the Club’s programme and during the winter and summer, includes parties, barbecues and children’s water sports as well as more formal occasions.
Swanage Town and Herston Football Club
Swanage Football Club Days Park – Times and locations vary, best to email, or contact us through website/social media.
Walking football for women and men.
Adults Football for women and men.
Youth football from 6-16 for girls and boys.
Saturday morning sessions for 2-6 year olds.
Swanage Volunteer Bureau
Would you like to make a difference, use existing or learn fresh skills, meet new people, have fun and be proud to know that you have helped keep Swanage great?
Swanage Volunteer Bureau offers impartial information and advice on ways you can help many community organisations thrive.
Drop in to Swanage Library on the first Friday of the month from 10.30am – 12.30pm for a friendly welcome. If you can’t make that time the library staff can give you a list of the organisations seeking help for you to contact directly, or go to their website to search for current opportunities.
Also Tuesday 10:00 – 12:00 at the Focus Centre, but not every week.
Swanage Youth Club
A youth club for young people year 6 to 10 in Swanage aiming to help the young people develop their potential and find their purpose. Gaming, football, crafts, cooking and tuck.
Please contact for a registration form – we currently operate a waiting list.
T-Pot Drop in
Every Wednesday 10am-12.30am at the Rectory Classroom, Church Hill Swanage.
Everyone welcome especially those lonely or bereaved.
The Loft Swanage Community Centre
The Loft’ Community Centre, Commercial Road, Swanage, BH19 1DF (opposite Chococo) is a charitable venue created to serve the community of Swanage.
Available to hire for activities, classes, events and meetings. No lift.
Organised walks and a regular Jane’s lunch on Wednesdays from 12:30 – 14:00 which is served in the Swanage Emporium cafe, 52 High Street. 2 choices of hot vegan food, baked potatoes, cheese (and vegan) beans, coleslaw and roasted beetroot. Cost – £4, or £2 if a Loft regular, can donate more if you wish
Visit Dorset
Things to do in Dorset for all ages.
Young Talkers
A targeted speech and language support programme run across local Family Hubs. The sessions are typically designed as an 8-week course for young children to boost their early communication, language, and social interaction skills.
Because it is a targeted service, availability can vary, and spaces often require a booking or a professional referral from your child’s health visitor or speech and language therapist.
Mondays at the Focus Centre, but booking in advance essential.
