One of he upsides to the pandemic locally was the big increase in volunteers, with nearly 3,000 people signing up through the Community Action Network (CAN) to volunteer for the BCP Council led Together We Can campaign. They helped those in need by answering calls, providing access to food and essential items and helping with other issues vulnerable people have been facing.

Now BCP Council is asking people for their views to help them to develop a Community and Voluntary Sector and Volunteering Strategy.

Kelly Ansell, director of communities at BCP Council said: “We are really excited to have the opportunity to hear more about the amazing community action that takes place across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and the individuals that make it possible.

“We understand that the community and voluntary sector is often best placed to understand the needs of the local communities they work within and provide the best targeted support. We want your views to help inform our strategy so we can provide the most effective and impactful support to the sector and the people doing this very important work.

“We are really keen to hear from people across the BCP area, whether they already volunteer, receive community support, help out their neighbour once in a while or have thought about volunteering but never found the right opportunity. All your views will help inform our strategy.”

The community and voluntary sector survey will run from Wednesday 14 April until Wednesday 12 May.

Find the online survey at: haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/cvs-and-volunteering-strategy.

Paper copies can be found at your local library, but you will need to check that it has re-opened before you visit.