© 2025 Reconnection Dorchester CIC
The Little Keep
Barrack Road
Dorchester
DT1 1SQ
Registered in England & Wales as a Community Interest Company (CIC) no. 16652702
Building a community and business hub for Dorchester
Read on for more information about the concept of re:connection - Dorchester's Community & Business Hub, why we think it's needed, what the space could include and its vibe.
We've listed the next steps we need to take, some inspiring case studies of successful projects elsewhere, and some frequently asked questions. Finally, you can contact us to ask a question, share an idea, sign up for emails, or offer to help!
At this early stage, these are just ideas. We need to test local feeling about this concept and understand the priorities for relevant organisations and groups in our town, as we want to move forward with broad support as well as build a hub which meets real evidenced need and not just good guesses! We also need to research potential funding sources, partnerships with our councils and other partners and staekholders, and look for potential premises.
It's all about how to re:connect with each other, and build a stronger and more resilient community. You're invited!
"Once we start to act, hope is everywhere. So instead of looking for hope, look for action. Then, and only then, hope will come."
Greta ThunbergClimate campaignerClick to read more about each aspect of the project below. Or just read down the page in order!
How the re:connection hub might meet needs and solve problems in Dorchester.
Some of the possible different spaces and functions, inside and outside the re:connection hub.
What sort of place could the re:connection hub be? How would it feel?
What we need to start the project, and how you might help.
What's on the initial list of things to do? What's next?
What can we learn from other successful examples of community hubs?
Answers to some of the more commonly asked questions. If your question isn't here - ask it!
Sign up for news about the project and follow us on social media.
Get in touch to offer your skills, find out more and share ideas.
How the re:connection hub might meet needs and solve problems in Dorchester.
Poverty is growing. Access to affordable social space is out of reach for some people. Not everyone can afford to go out and take part in everything Dorchester has to offer. Some struggle to afford basics such as nutritious food, school uniforms, or energy to stay warm.
How might we improve provision of spaces and basic needs in Dorchester?
How can we help everyone to feel that they belong, where income or background don't matter?
Despite - or perhaps because of technology, many feel more disconnected than we used to. Loneliness is a real and growing problem in all age groups, and for various reasons some children are struggling to develop social skills. Misunderstandings leading to conflict between different groups is more common.
How might we improve our understanding and empathy for each other in practical ways?
Where do we meet and become friends with people from very different backgrounds?
A growing number have no-one else to turn to at a point of personal or family crisis, putting strain on public services when in the past family, neighbours, faith group or the local community would step in to help.
How might we build greater family and community resilience? How could we co-operate to solve local problems?
How would Dorchester fare in a national crisis such a fuel or food shortage, an internet blackout, or another widespread health problem like a virus?
More work from home and are increasingly isolated. Some have lost a sense of ‘together’, even at work. Office space can be prohibitively expensive for the sole trader or hopme-based worker. Many now rarely come across new people, because unlike workplaces, markets or places of worship in the past, there is no longer anywhere that we might meet them on a regular basis.
How might we create a more human-friendly social and work climate in the digital age?
Many of our problems can be solved through collaborative working and social connections, and there is already great work being done by organisations in Dorchester. But where do we find these connections in one place? Where is the shared space in which to engage with people from different backgrounds and ages?
How might we create physical space for people to find each other, to meet problem solvers, creatives and inventors, and for organisations to network? Can we better promote available support, and recruit more volunteers?
Young people are especially under pressure at school, home and with friends. They are isolated, increasingly in the virtual rather than the real world. Opportunities for intergenerational support and connection seem harder to find and nurture.
How might we co-create, with young people, safe spaces for them in which they can belong, grow, connect and be happy? How can we support them in developing the skills for life they need for the rapidly changing world in which they launching their lives?
Research shows that towns can reach a tipping point when shops and other facilities reduce to a level where it becomes impossible or difficult to do everything you need on one visit. People visit less often, and this make it even harder for businesses, arts and heritage to survive, which accelerates the decline.
How could a hub not only renovate empty premises and fill them with life, but provide even more reasons to visit Dorchester town centre and increase footfall? How might it actively promote shops, venues and attractions in town, and provide a physical central presence for many organisations, especially in the community and creative sectors?
Could hot desking and meeting space encourage and support local businesses and sole traders too?
Some of the possible different spaces inside and outside the re:connection hub.
These are only ideas at the moment. We need to research where and how they work elsewhere, and discuss within our community what we think we need and what would work here.
Above all, we want to work in partnership rather than re-inventing the wheel, so where these spaces already exist in some form in Dorchester, we want to involve those experts and ensure that re:connection complements, expands on and works in partnership with them.
A welcoming and comfortable space to meet others, or to be 'alone-not-alone'.
Read, swap books, play board games, chat...
Affprdable space which businesses and local organisations can book for board-style meetings, discussions and collaborative work.
Booths and desks for individuals to hire for work, with wifi, printing and refreshment facilities.
Phones away - come for a cuppa and a proper chat with friends old and new at communal tables.
Supported by a volunteer team.
A community larder reduces food waste through donations of excess food, and meets needs for those struggling to feed their families who can collect it. Or we could take it further and set up a food coop (buying food collectively to reduce cost) or a social supermarket. These solutions would add value by being part of re:connection, and be supported by it to.
Space for pre-schoolers to play together as parents relax and chat.
Borrow some toys from our community toy library to take home - but bring them back next week for others!
A safe space managed by young people for young people.
Positive stuff to do, people to meet, games to play.
An relaxing outdoor space for community gardening, nature recovery and children's play.
Help and support for residents, and a town centre contact point for local organisations.
Information for visitors on what to do and see in Dorchester, promoting and signposting to other venues and services in the town.
Provision of in-person banking services and support in partnership with providers, replacing facilities recently lost in town.
An area for volunteers to help repair and reuse devices, keeping them out of landfill and saving money.
Donate and collect good quality clothing and save money on school uniforms and children's clothes as they grow!
Spaces for creative displays and creative health projects, in partnership with other venues and specialists in town. Potential as a venue for music and arts events in partnership with existing agencies.
Ideally in an iconic heritage venue itself, re:connection could be a town centre 'shop front' for local history and heritage attractions.
What sort of place could the re:connection hub be? How would it feel?
Spaces to work, individually or collaboratively, with options for registered office address, postboxes and mail forwarding.
Space that promotes mental wellbeing by rebuilding connections with each other, our environment, and ourselves.
A central location to meet for business or social reasons, close to Dorchester services, businesses and transport links.
A space to make new friends and connections, with everyone made to feel welcome.
Space that promotes wellbeing through physical activity, tasty local food, purposeful volunteering, and good conversation.
Space that supports all ages from practical matters to life purpose, from IT to finding work.
A busy place for networking, supporting each other, sharing ideas, working on projects and for social and creative events.
A place that builds practical skills, fixes things and builds personal, family and community resilience.
Space for everyone to relax, socialise, or be 'alone-not-alone', regardless of income.
A place where young people and vulnerable adults especially can feel safe, welcomed and supported to grow.
A place that challenges everyone from babies to older people to think, communicate, solve problems, and enjoy life to the full.
A place that leads through inspiring example and education in reducing waste and adapting to the climate and nature emergencies.
A place which respects and promotes our town heritage and history for the future. A place which people remember, and want to come back to. If we could achieve all the above objectives at the same time as restoring and re-using an iconic Dorchester building that would be ideal!
What we need to start the project and how you might help. Different types of volunteering opportunities will arise as soon as we open.
What's on the initial list of things to do? What's next?
What can we learn from other successful examples of community hubs?
More of a community venue than a 'drop in' hub, the Allendale is nevertheless an inspiring example of what can be done by a determined local community. Pop in for a tasty bite to eat at its community cafe.
Board in the City is a cafe full of board games! 'More than just a cafe, we're a passionate hub dedicated to bringing people together, supporting local initiatives and creating a warm, welcoming space for all ages.'
In 2019 the community bought a vacated bank in Chipping Norton. With a motto of 'building hope', The Branch now provides a community cafe and hub addressing mental wellbeing, debt, loneliness, domestic abuse and more.
The Waffle House is a 100% non-profit café and community space with a menu which centres around its trademark Liège waffles. Their HQ is in Axminster & they have recently opened a second site in Lyme Regis.
We love some of the things they are doing like IT support for older people, play for children, food for families, and even banking facilities. That's not to mention the waffles!
Open to all from Monday to Sunday, 9am-4pm, Graylingwell Chapel is a go-to community hub in Chichester. Enjoy the café, a vibrant meeting space to connect with friends and family, and a pre-school play area for young children.
During the day, there is a wide range of community activities, such as Chatty Café, IT Drop in and Stitch Club. The aim is to provide something for everyone, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.
Thirst is a safe space for young people to chill, snack, and have fun.
Thirst have loads of things to do - Enjoy games, get creative, and connect with friendly youth workers. No parents or grown-ups allowed unless they are volunteering with Thirst!
Find out more from Bishop Stortford Youth Project who run the cafe as well as other innovative youth projects.
The Nest is a not-for-profit collection of community social supermarkets based in Weymouth. They provide cheap, good quality, nutritious food to families and individuals who have limited disposable income.
The idea of a social supermarket is to empower those in need to be able make their own choices and to support independence. Shoppers still pay, and the business needs to make a surplus, but the food is affordable. The system aims to reduce the stigma around needing help with food, which is something that can happen to any of us.
One option could be Banking Hubs run by the Post Office. On High Streets like Dorchester's where bank branches have closed, they are helping people and businesses deposit and withdraw cash. Post Office / LINK assess communities to work out where these services need to go to preserve good access to cash.
Alternatively, re:connection may be able to develop a partnership with a specific bank or banks to run something independently here in Dorchester as part of our hub.
Two inspiring community hubs in Stroud and Cirencester, based around sharing food, tackling pooor nutrition and social isolation at the same time. We're keen to find out more about this one. They say:
"We’re all about radical hospitality… Because amazing things happen when we eat together. Every hot meal served is pay-as-you-can, so our food is accessible to everyone, regardless of means. It’s not about charity – it's about dignity, equality, and a community supporting neighbours who need a little help. It's about creating a space where everyone is welcome to feast, talk, laugh, and find a place."
These projects operate according to some interesting 'monastery principles', which may not be what you think and are worth reading about!
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© 2025 Reconnection Dorchester CIC
The Little Keep
Barrack Road
Dorchester
DT1 1SQ
Registered in England & Wales as a Community Interest Company (CIC) no. 16652702