Do you want to make a difference in your local community, meet new friends, and discover fresh opportunities?
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, in partnership with the Volunteer Centre Dorset, is hosting a Volunteer Open Day on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Taking place in the heart of the Museum’s beautiful Victorian Hall, this drop-in event will bring together almost 30 charities, organisations, and local groups from across Dorset — each ready to showcase the many ways you can get involved, give back, and play a role in strengthening our community.
The event offers a unique chance to connect with a wide variety of local organisations, charities, and community groups—all seeking volunteers to support their vital work across Dorset and beyond. Whether you’re interested in a regular role or something more flexible, the Open Day is designed to help you find the opportunity that best suits your interests, skills, and lifestyle.
Claire Dixon, Executive Director of Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, said, “Volunteering is at the heart of so many charities and organisations, and it is fantastic to be hosting this event. Many of us find it challenging to recruit new volunteers, and so we hope, by coming together for this big open day event, we will all be able to engage local people in the work we do and encourage them to support us by volunteering or recommending us to family and friends.”
Date: Wednesday 8 October 2025,
Time: 10:00am to 1:00pm
Location: Victorian Hall, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Dorchester
Booking: No booking required—drop in any time during the event.
Meet Local Organisations Making an Impact
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet representatives from nearly 30 organisations, each showcasing the meaningful ways volunteers can get involved. These include:
Action for Children, Art in Poundbury, Caring For Communities & People, Casterbridge Rotary Club, Citizens Advice, Dorchester Library, Dorchester Strollers, Dorset Blind, Dorset Careers Hub, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Dorset Police, Footprints Project, Green Island Holidays, Guide dogs, Home Start Wessex, Julia's House, Nature Buddies - National Landscape, Poundbury Community Farm, Relationships Wessex, Safe Families & Home for Good, St Alban’s Head NCI, Sustainable Healthcare, Swan advocacy, Volunteer Centre and Weymouth Gay Group.
Marie Waterman, CEO of Volunteer Centre Dorset, says, "Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways people can connect with their community, gain new skills, and make a real difference in the lives of others. We are thrilled to be partnering with Dorset Museum & Art Gallery to bring so many local organisations together under one roof. Whether you have an hour to spare or want to take on a regular role, this Open Day is a fantastic opportunity to discover just how rewarding volunteering can be."
The Dorset Museum & Art Gallery’s own team will also be available to showcase the diverse volunteer opportunities available on-site. From engaging with visitors and supporting learning activities to working behind the scenes with history, art, and collections, there is truly a role for everyone.
Come along, chat with local groups, explore opportunities, and be inspired to make a difference and encourage others to get involved. For more information, visit dorsetmuseum.org
