From ‘Wild West’ to What’s Next: The real story of Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

You’ve probably seen the article calling Bournemouth a “lawless seaside town.”

Let’s be honest, it hurt to read.

Because that’s not the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole I know.

The one I know is full of people who care - families, founders, neighbours and volunteers doing their best to keep this place alive.

The BCP I know is full of small business owners fighting to keep the lights on.

Parents juggling jobs and side hustles to make life work.

Volunteers giving up weekends to coach, clean up, or check in on neighbours.

We’re not the “wild west” the media paints us to be.

There are good people here - tired, yes, but still showing up, still trying to step up for our community.

Let’s be clear.

The fear is real.

The frustration is real.

But the idea that our home is beyond saving? Absolute bulls**t.

We don’t need another article pointing fingers.

We need people willing to be the difference.

We need people ready to be the change they wish to see.

And that’s exactly why Step Up BCP exists.

Not a political project.

Not another short-term campaign that fades when the noise dies down.

Step Up BCP is about helping residents, businesses and charities connect and work together for real, visible change.

Real Change Doesn’t Come From Complaining. It Comes From Stepping Up.

Step Up BCP is about connecting the dots.

Between residents and businesses.

Between young people and opportunity.

Between pride, purpose and everyday action.

We’re building a movement that helps businesses show up, helps residents reconnect, and helps people and charities find their voice.

Because when one part of a community rises, the rest follows.

There are 321,000 adults living across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

If each of us spent just £10 locally this Christmas, that’s £3.21 million straight back into our community.

Money that keeps cafés open.

Jobs that stay local.

Confidence that spreads.

But it’s not just about money.

It’s about time, kindness and connection.

Checking in on someone. Showing up for a local event. Supporting a cause.

Small acts. Big ripple.

This Is What Step Up BCP Will Do

We’re building more than a campaign - we’re building a connected, community-powered platform that helps everyone play their part in rebuilding pride and prosperity across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Here’s what that looks like:

• A free community space where residents and charities can share stories, join challenges, and be part of something positive happening in BCP.

• A local business directory so people can easily shop local and keep money circulating in our community.

• Practical training that helps local businesses share real, human stories - showing the faces behind their brands and rebuilding trust online.

• Flexible work opportunities for people who can’t do a traditional 9–5 - from local delivery drivers to social media partners trained through Step Up.

• Visibility for small charities that deserve to be seen instead of being drowned out by the big names.

• Community-led projects that make our streets, parks and spaces look and feel loved again.

This isn’t just about visibility. It’s about rebuilding trust, belonging and hope — from the inside out.

Here’s How You Can Help Right Now

Register your interest in joining the movement so that when our platform launches, you’ll already be part of it.

Business owners: Show your faces, tell your stories, and remind people why buying local matters.

Residents: Share a local post, spend a tenner nearby, or tag a business you love.

Charities, schools or community groups: Get in touch - we’d love to shine a light on what you’re doing.

Creators, makers, drivers, photographers, volunteers: We need you too.

Because this isn’t about one person fixing everything.

It’s about all of us stepping up, in small, consistent ways that matter.

Be the Story That Changes the Story

The headlines won’t fix this place. We will.

One post. One act. One person at a time.

Let’s step up and be the story that changes the story.

Step Up BCP is building momentum and the full platform is coming soon.

For now, you can join the update list below and be the first to hear when we launch projects, training and community events.

👉 Join the Step Up BCP updates list

(You’ll get early access to projects, events and ways to get involved.)

Editor’s note:

This post was written in response to a national newspaper article about Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Rather than argue with headlines, we’re choosing to show what’s really happening here - people stepping up for their community.