A warm welcome!
Who are we?
Access Dorset is a community-rooted, user-led charity, based in Bournemouth, improving the lives of disadvantaged people by promoting inclusion, wellbeing, and independence.
What do we do?
We provide social, recreational, and life-skills activities, alongside information, advice, and support, to strengthen connections, reduce isolation, and build confidence and wellbeing.
Who can join?
We support disabled people, neurodivergent people, older people, and carers who face barriers to participation, connection and wellbeing.
We provide a safe place where disadvantaged adults can access activities and support, alongside their family and careers, to improve their wellbeing, build resilience and develop independent living skills.
What can I expect?
Our activity programme is designed to combat loneliness and social isolation, develop peer support opportunities, and improve both mental and physical wellbeing.
We offer a diverse range of structured activities tailored to different interests—from cooking and gardening to the performing arts—giving members the opportunity to explore new passions while building valuable practical life skills.
Most of all, we offer a warm and welcoming environment where you can feel safe, valued, and respected—regardless of your background or differences.
Where are you based?
We are based at The Bridge at Chaseside in Littledown. This is a fully accessible, ground floor Centre for Independence in Bournemouth. From The Bridge we run our programme of activities alongside a community cafe. Anyone can visit us Monday-Thursday each week.
Our Impacts
*
Our Impacts *
Over 75%of our members report improved wellbeing
Over 85%of our members gain improved confidence
Over 90% of our members report reduced isolation
Some of the activities on offer!
Bournemouth Venue For Hire
The Bridge at Chaseside in Littledown is managed by Access Dorset. It offers a completely accessible, ground floor, bright and spacious centrally heated venue, suitable for community events, meetings and many more activities. Suitable for:
Children’s Parties
Training Courses
Meetings
Group Meetings
Cafe Area with Open Plan Kitchen
A space with a kitchen where food and beverages can be made.
This space includes a microwave, oven, toastie machine, kettle, sink area, fridges, toaster, crockery, glassware, and cutlery.
Small Group Room:
4m x4m
Ideal for 1:1 meetings or therapies, our small group room is a calming environment, with a capacity of up to 10 people.
Wakes
Fairs
Main Hall:
12m x 5m
The hall has electric power sockets, a large wall mounted TV with a socket for laptop’s for presentations. There is also a wall mounted screen for use with a projector.
Split Hall Space
The hall has electric power sockets, and can be separated from the main hall, and can be used as a dining space or as an additional space for meetings.
Toilets
5 toilets available including a completely accessible toilet onsite.
The Bridge is available to rent on Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays and after 5pm on weekdays.
To rent the whole space at The Bridge in Bournemouth, it costs £30 per hour.
Free parking is available for you and your guests.