Why we’re proud to help lead The Big Help Out

Inspired by HM King Charles III’s life of service, The Big Help Out will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves, while celebrating those who already volunteer. The aim's to bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the Coronation weekend.

Developed by Scouts and the Royal Voluntary Service, and organised by the Together Coalition, we want the day to inspire a new generation of community volunteering.

Dozens of volunteer-supported charities and organisations have already agreed to take part, including NCVO, Rotary and the National Trust.

Powering our communities

Chief Scout, Bear Grylls launches the plan today (Friday 27 January) and it’s set to be one of the centrepieces of the celebrations for the Coronation of HM The King and HM The Queen Consort in May, only 100 days away.

‘Volunteering has always been a huge part of what makes this country great,’ says Bear.

‘From families looking after evacuees during WWII to neighbours looking out for each other during the pandemic.

‘But it’s not just in times of crisis that we step up. Volunteering - whether formal or informal - is what powers our communities, from Scout volunteers to helping out at the school fete.

‘The Big Help Out will put volunteering centre stage for a day and give people who want to volunteer easy ways to join in. So please save the date – Monday 8 May - and join us at the Big Help Out in your community.’

Scout plans for the big day

In the run-up to the day, we’ll be helping raise awareness of the benefits of volunteering. We’ll also be supporting Scouts to create volunteer opportunities in local communities around the UK on 8 May.

It’ll be a chance for people take part in taster sessions and give volunteering a go. As part of the plan, we’ll be helping local Scouting create pop-up activities in public spaces, such as town centres and parks, giving people the chance to try grass sledging, giant Jenga, traditional bushcraft and more.

Families will be able to try activities and think about taking the next step to joining Scouts and volunteering themselves. 

Nationally, Scouts will be supporting The Big Help Out with communications, resources, programme ideas and advice. The Big Help Out will also offer easily accessible opportunities across the UK.

Learning skills and having fun

Matt Hyde OBE, CEO of Scouts and co-chair of the Big Help Steering Group, masterminded the idea with Catherine Johnstone, CEO of Royal Voluntary Service.

Matt said: ‘Scouts are proud to be leading this work with a broad coalition of volunteer-involving charities, so we can recruit more volunteers to help others, learn new skills and to have a bit of fun along the way.’

‘This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together and have a go at volunteering,’ says Catherine.

‘Whether it’s your first time, or you are an experienced volunteer, The Big Help Out will make it easy to get involved in something that matches your interests and fires your imagination.’