Are you ready for The Big Help Out?

The Big Help Out is the UK’s single biggest mobilisation of volunteers, all joining in to lend a hand and make our communities better, closer and kinder places to live. It’s taking place during Volunteers’ Week 2024 and will be a key moment to attract new volunteers.

For Scouts, not only is it a chance to improve our communities, it’s a great moment to attract more adult volunteers. From 16 April, the Big Help Out app goes live, which is where millions will be looking to find volunteering opportunities close to them.

Across the UK

In Northern Ireland, Scouts will be invited to take part in major events being hosted by a number of organisations under the banner with Volunteer Now.

At the Belfast event, an area in the city centre is being transformed into a green space with polytunnels and raised flowerbeds. People, including Scouts, will be invited to come along and help with this piece of social action.

As well as taking part in the transformation, Scouts will have a stand at the event, so people can come along, chat to us and hear about how they can volunteer with Scouting.

'Scouts N.I. are so pleased to be part of Volunteer Now, and The Big Help Out,' says Stephen Donaldson, Chief Volunteer of Scouts N.I.

'Our Scouts will be playing their part, getting involved in projects to make our communities better places to live. This is a fantastic opportunity to show how Scouts keep their promise to help other people. It’s also a great moment to welcome in new volunteers to help more gain people gain skills for life. Volunteers have just as much fun, gain useful skills and know they’re really making a difference.'

If you’re holding an event that will welcome in new volunteers in June, then it can be part of the Big Help Out. For example, 1st Spixworth Scouts in Norwich will be holding a family water and land activity camp in North Walsham.

'This is a large camp for all sections, and parents and carers will be able to see how their youngsters enjoy and benefit from Scouts. They’ll also get to see how the leadership team operates, and what’s involved in Scouts as an adult on the leadership team. We finish off the event with a massive family BBQ. We speak with the parents or carers about what we do, and generally get a fantastic response. Over the years, we’ve benefitted from additional help with activities, camps and fundraising events.' - Norwich's local team.

'Scouts are proud to be playing their part in Volunteers’ Week 2024, including The Big Help Out,' says Elizabeth Henderson, Chief Volunteer of England.

'After getting involved last year, we know this is a really significant moment to talk about the power of volunteering to support local communities and especially young people. We’ll be sharing opportunities to get involved and also highlighting how volunteering for Scouts is great for volunteers too - helping to develop skills, make new friends and support wellbeing.'

The Big Help Out app is now live. Sign up now.