At the start of a new year, many people want clearer direction. You might be looking for health advice, a new job, or support to build confidence, yet you might not know where to begin. Accessing the right help can mean multiple appointments, different venues and long waiting times.
The Thrive 2026 Event addressed that challenge on 29 January 2026 by placing practical support in the centre of Boscombe. Held at The Auger Collective in the Sovereign Shopping Centre, the event enabled residents to speak directly with professionals, receive wellbeing guidance and explore employment opportunities in a single visit.
Delivered by the Digital Skills Hub in partnership with BCP Council, and supported through the £2.6 billion UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Thrive 2026 showed how coordinated local delivery can improve access to services.
This article outlines what was available on the day and how Thrive 2026 contributed to practical, community-based support in Boscombe.
Health and Wellbeing Support at Thrive 2026
Health services at the Thrive 2026 Event focused on practical advice and early action. The Health and Wellbeing Hub included Access to Wellbeing, LiveWell Dorset, Citizens Advice, Parks in Mind, BCHA and NHS partners, offering direct guidance and clear signposting.
Eligible residents received free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations between 10am and 4pm, delivered by Dorset HealthCare. Free blood pressure checks and Health MOTs were also provided, supported by Westbourne Rotary Club, allowing attendees to review their wellbeing without booking separate appointments.
NHS Dorset confirmed that the event brought health and community services together in a single setting, helping residents access advice and support more easily.
On the day, attendees could access:
- Free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible residents.
- Blood pressure checks and Health MOT support.
- Advice and referrals from local wellbeing organisations.
Employment, Training & Volunteering Opportunities
Employment support at the Thrive 2026 Event prioritised clear next steps. The dedicated Recruitment Zone gave residents the opportunity to meet local employers, discuss current vacancies and, in some cases, take part in live interviews on the day.
Skills Workshops ran throughout the event, offering interactive sessions on CV writing and interview preparation. These sessions helped attendees build confidence and present their experience clearly and professionally.
Support available included:
- Recruitment Zone with local employers.
- Potential live interviews.
- CV writing and interview workshops.
- Volunteering opportunities across BCP.
Volunteering organisations from across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole were also present, creating routes into community involvement and work experience.
Reflecting on the event, Councillor David Brown, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at BCP Council, said:
"We're proud to support Thrive 2026, funded by BCP Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
"This event reflects our commitment to helping residents and strengthening local communities. By bringing health, wellbeing, and employment support together in one place, we're making it easier for people to access the help they need to lead healthier, happier, and more connected lives."
The Role of the Digital Skills Hub
The Digital Skills Hub led the planning and delivery of Thrive 2026, working closely with health providers, employers and community organisations to ensure the event ran with clear structure and purpose. Its involvement went beyond venue coordination. The Hub helped shape how workshops, employer engagement and health services were organised throughout the day.
As part of the Better Boscombe regeneration project, the Hub focuses on improving digital access and employability across the area. Thrive 2026 reflected that wider aim by linking skills development directly with employer contact and community guidance.
Key contributions included:
- Coordinating partner organisations.
- Structuring workshop delivery.
- Connecting residents to follow up support.
A Strong Start to 2026 for Boscombe
Thrive 2026 showed how a focused community event can deliver practical outcomes in a single day. Free entry widened participation, while travel support helped reduce cost barriers. NHS Dorset confirmed that free return bus tickets were available, and BCP Council promoted one-way bus tickets home from the Morebus stand. Universal Credit claimants were also eligible for free travel.
Thrive 2026 forms part of a wider programme of community investment led by Better Boscombe, supporting skills, wellbeing and local opportunity across the area. You can read more local updates and project news on our Events & News page.
Get in touch and let's bridge the digital divide together and ensure a brighter, more connected future for Boscombe.
