Brits are being encouraged to take up hundreds of thousands of volunteering roles as part of King Charles III coronation celebrations in May.
Opportunities on offer include helping the elderly, the environment, supporting animal welfare and working within your own local community.
This is part of a new initiative, The Big Help Out, which is a formal part of the King’s Coronation, with people encouraged to either lend a helping hand on the May 8 Bank Holiday or arrange another opportunity to volunteer their time or skills.
The project aims to raise awareness of volunteering opportunities throughout the UK and was devised by leading charities, including the Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service and Guide Dogs.
Organisers hope for an unprecedented community mobilisation to “underscore the central role volunteering plays in our national story” and to inspire a new generation of volunteers throughout King Charles III’s reign.
Join #TheBigHelpOut on Monday 8th May and support volunteers who make a real difference in your community. We need helpers of all shapes and sizes so visit https://t.co/8Np9e2Zmc2 to find out how you can lend a hand. pic.twitter.com/bzKAcjgvYz
— The Big Help Out (@TheBigHelpOut23) March 16, 2023
Love Island star Faye Winter and Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Deborah Meaden are among the celebrities promoting The Big Help Out, with more than 1,500 charities involved.
Meaden said: “I know a good idea when I see it and the Big Help Out is one. That’s why everyone is joining in.
“Charities, businesses and now the public can get involved too."
Winter, who is a volunteer with Guide Dogs, added: “It’s so rewarding being a fosterer for Guide Dogs and knowing that you’re helping each dog on their journey to support someone living with sight loss.
“It’s a fantastic cause and I would recommend volunteering to anyone who is able to donate some of their time.”
You can search for volunteering opportunities near you on The Big Help Out app.
You can search by postcode, the type of activity or the organisations involved.
The minister for ceremonial events, including the coronation, Stuart Andrew, said: “The Big Help Out will shine a spotlight on the power of volunteering to help our communities.
"It is a tribute to His Majesty the King’s lifetime of public service and a wonderful way to begin this new age.
“I encourage everyone to get involved to celebrate the coronation of Their Majesties the King and the Queen Consort.”
Charities are calling for an army of volunteers to sign up to give their time to help others as part of the celebrations to mark the King's Coronation in May.
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) March 20, 2023
Thousands of opportunities to volunteer with 1500 charities are being made available today on the Big Help Out app. pic.twitter.com/koyTMcGXOK
When is the King's Coronation?
The coronation weekend will be held from Saturday May 6 to Monday May 8, with thousands of events expected to take place across the country.
The Monday will be a special bank holiday and has been set aside for volunteering in a tribute to the King’s lifetime of public service.
Buckingham Palace said the day “will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas”.
Its aim is to use volunteering to bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the coronation weekend.
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