We’re Stronger Together: Dorset VCS Partnership Event
Join us on 14 May 2026, at The Pavillion in Weymouth, for a collaborative event bringing together voluntary and community organisations from across Dorset, alongside partners from Dorset Council and the NHS.
This event is an opportunity for organisations of all sizes to connect, share experiences, and build relationships across the sector. Together, we’ll explore how we can better understand each other’s work, strengthen partnerships, and identify new ways to collaborate to support communities across Dorset.
Whether you’re a small community group, a large charity, or a partner organisation, this event will provide valuable opportunities to network, learn from others, and shape stronger cross-sector working in Dorset. Come along, make new connections, and be part of building a more joined-up approach for Dorset’s communities.
Agenda for the day:
09:30–10:00 | Arrival, registration & marketplace opens
10:00–10:10 | Welcome & housekeeping
10:10–10:30 | An abundance of Opportunities: Paula Bennetts, Programme Director, Voluntary & Community Sector Assembly (VCSA). Why are we all here? How working together we can leverage opportunities for VCS partnership with Dorset Council and NHS. Steps being made based on feedback from VCS survey.
10:30–11:00 | Keynote: “Communities for All”: Catherine Howe, Chief Executive, Dorset Council. Why the VCS is vital and how partnership working underpins place outcomes.
11:00-11:20 | BREAK
11:20–11:45 | Strategic update: 10‑Year Plan & neighbourhood plans: Sarah Howard, Deputy Director of Modernisation & Place, NHS Dorset. Opportunities for VCSE collaboration and influence in health and wellbeing.
11:45–12:15 | Panel & Q&A: Closing the feedback loop
Catherine Howe, Sarah Howard, Paula Bennetts will take questions from the room.
12:15- 13:00 | VCS showcases. VCS group presentations to showcase grassroots VCS groups and the great work happening across Dorset.
13:00–13:45 I LUNCH
13:45–14:45 | Breakout co‑design table discussions. Each discussion is framed by the VCS survey themes and aims to produce suggested actionable commitments. Ten minutes per topic.
- Communication & Visibility
- Sustainable Funding & Processes
- Partnerships & Access to Council Resources
- Valuing & Amplifying Good Practice
20 minutes room feedback.
14:45 - 15:30 VCS showcases. VCS group presentations to showcase grassroots VCS groups and the great work happening across Dorset.
15:30 – 15:40 | Commitments, next steps & close
15:40 – | Break
15:40 - 16:30 | Networking & Marketplace
This event is for anyone who works or volunteers for a charity, community group, not for profit and wants to make connections with others in the sector, and understand the possibility and potential of partnership working with Dorset Council and the NHS.
Click here to book your place.