Big Help: How to volunteer and what’s going on

Today, Britons are being urged to take on hundreds of thousands of volunteering roles highlighted as part of the Coronation celebrations, which aim to reflect the sector’s central role in Britain’s ‘national story’.

A special holiday was set aside for volunteering in honor of the King’s life of public service.

Love Island star Faye Winter and Dragon Logo entrepreneur. Deborah Meaden are among the celebrities promoting The Big Help Out, which involves more than 1,500 charities.

New opportunities offered to members of the public through the organization’s app, which launched in March, include options to help the elderly, protect the environment, support animal welfare and work in local communities.

The initiative is a formal part of the King’s coronation and people are encouraged to either lend a helping hand today or organize another opportunity to volunteer their time or skills.

The Big Help Out app is searchable by postcode, type of activity needed or organizations involved.

To find out more, visit The Big Help Out website here.

The project aims to raise awareness of volunteering opportunities across the UK and has been developed by leading charities including Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service and Guide Dogs.

Organizers are hoping for an unprecedented community mobilization to “highlight the central role of volunteering in our national history” and inspire a new generation of volunteers throughout Charles’ reign.

Minister for Ceremonies, including Coronations, Stuart Andrew said: “The Big Help will draw attention to the power of volunteering to help our communities. It is a tribute to His Majesty the King’s public service and a great way to start this new era.

“I urge everyone to take part in the celebration of the coronation of Their Majesties the King and Queen Consort.”

Meaden said: “I know a good idea when I see one and Big Help Out is one of them. That’s why everyone gets involved.

“Charitybusinesses and now the public can also participate,” she added.

Winter, who is a guide dog volunteer, said: “It is so rewarding to be a guide dog carer and to know that you are helping each dog on their journey to support someone living with sight loss.

“This is a fantastic cause and I would recommend volunteering to anyone who can donate some of their time.”

Musical star and Radio 2 presenter Elaine Page, ambassador for the Royal Voluntary Service, said: “No matter what your skill level or experience, everyone can make a positive impact through volunteering.

“I saw this first-hand during my time with the Royal Voluntary Service. Not only can you make a real difference in your community, but volunteering also benefits the volunteers.”

Buckingham Palace said the day “will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and get involved in the work that is being done to support their local areas”.

Its aim is to use volunteering to bring communities together and create a lasting legacy of volunteering beyond Coronation Weekend.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have just appeared at the Coronation Concert, will be at a scout hut in Berkshire and Princess Anne will be at an event in Gloucestershire.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will help train puppies at the guide dog centre, while the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will meet volunteers at a street party in London.

Politicians from the main parties are also joining. The Prime Minister and his wife help out at the lunch club, Labor leader Keir Starmer answers calls for the NHS Volunteer Response Program and Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf is in the public pantry.

However, after a busy few days in the spotlight, Buckingham Palace said the King and Queen would not be taking part but were “fully supportive” of the volunteer event.

More details on the website of the initiative www.thebighelpout.org.uk