Dorset’s children’s activity businesses come together for first-ever Bournemouth CAA meeting

Sep 24

3 min read

Dan Bull, Your Social Media Consultant & Nicole Bateman, The Friendly SEND Advisor

Local children’s activity providers and professionals came together at SOBO Beach Bar this week for an evening of networking, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business support.

The event marked the first time the Children’s Activities Association has held one of its regional meetings in Dorset, bringing together businesses working with children and families across the county.

Local business owners had the opportunity to meet others working in the sector, share experiences, exchange ideas and build valuable connections within the local children’s activities community.

The inaugural Bournemouth Regional Meeting was co-hosted by Dan Bull, founder of Your Social Media Consultant, and Nicole Bateman, founder of The Friendly SEND Advisor.

The event highlighted the breadth of children’s activities available to families across Dorset, from educational and creative activities to sports, performing arts and specialist children's programmes.

The meeting formed part of the Children’s Activities Association’s (CAA) wider programme of regional events, which take place around the UK and provide members with opportunities to connect locally, share knowledge and support one another.

The CAA has more than 2,000 members across the UK and works to raise standards across the sector while supporting the safety, wellbeing and growth of children's activity businesses.

Dan Bull, founder of Your Social Media Consultant, who helps children's activity providers with his social media expertise, said:

“There are so many brilliant businesses providing activities and experiences for children and families across Dorset, but running your own business can sometimes feel quite isolating.

“Having an opportunity to meet other people who understand the industry, share ideas and build relationships is incredibly valuable. I’m really pleased that we were create this opportunity for children activity providers in our local area.”

Nicole Bateman, founder of The Friendly SEND Advisor, co-hosted the event, bringing her expertise in SEND and neuro-inclusion to the evening.

Nicole works with children's activity providers and other family-facing organisations to help them create more inclusive environments where every child can participate and feel supported.

Nicole said:

“It has been great to start building a local community of activity providers who can learn from one another, collaborate, share what works and help each other grow.

“Those who attended our first meet up said they left feeling like they've found others who get it, and this is just the start of building better experiences for children and families in the local area so no child misses out on activities they love.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

About the Children’s Activities Association

The Children’s Activities Association (CAA) is an industry-led, not-for-profit association for children's activity providers.

The organisation holds regional meetings across the UK, giving members the opportunity to network, share knowledge and build connections within their local communities.

www.childrensactivitiesassociation.co.uk

Event: CAA Bournemouth Regional Meeting Date: Thursday 24 September 2026 Venue: SOBO Beach, Southbourne, Bournemouth Significance: First CAA regional meeting to be held in Dorset Co-hosts: Dan Bull, Your Social Media Consultant, and Nicole Bateman, The Friendly SEND Advisor

About Your Social Media Consultant

Your Social Media Consultant, founded by Dan Bull, helps service-based and franchise businesses make social media simpler, more effective and more commercially focused.

Dan provides social media training, strategy, consultancy and ongoing support, helping business owners and franchise networks use social media to build visibility, engage their audiences and generate business.

Website: www.yoursocialmediaconsultant.com

About The Friendly SEND Advisor

The Friendly SEND Advisor, founded by Nicole Bateman, provides practical SEND and neuro-inclusion support to children's activity providers and other organisations working with children and families.

Nicole helps organisations understand the needs of neurodivergent children and create more inclusive environments where children can participate, feel supported and enjoy their experiences.

Website: https://nicolebateman.co.uk/

About SOBO Beach

SOBO Beach is a beachfront restaurant, bar and community venue situated on Southbourne Promenade in Bournemouth. The venue provides a relaxed coastal setting for food, drinks, events and community gatherings, with views overlooking Southbourne beach.

Venue: SOBO Beach, Southbourne Coast Road, Bournemouth, BH6 4BE Website: https://sobobeach.co.uk/