From rolling up their sleeves to help a local group, to supporting some of the UK’s best-known national charities, the Big Help Out on Monday 8 May will see thousands of people coming together to volunteer for their local communities.
With just a few weeks to go, hundreds of activities are planned for the day by local community groups, organisations and charities including The Scouts, Royal Voluntary Service, National Trust and RNLI to celebrate The King’s Coronation.
The aim of this day is to use volunteering to bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the Coronation Weekend.
The initiative also highlights how important volunteering can be – whether it be for an hour, a day, or on a regular basis – to benefit both the communities and the people who take part.
Dorset has a fine reputation for giving support to their local community and we are lucky to have hundreds of volunteers who give their time, talent, and dedication to support local services. But we still need more.
From clearing weeds in our parks and open spaces, to helping our local sports groups and youth clubs thrive, or perhaps you would like to try your hand at fundraising or befriending services? There are hundreds of projects to get involved with.
Cllr Laura Beddow, Cabinet member for Culture, Communities and Customer Services, said:
“The Big Help Out is an opportunity to celebrate all those brilliant people who already volunteer, who go the extra mile to support their local communities, as well as encouraging many more people to pledge their support to volunteer during the Big Help Out.
“There is literally something for everyone regardless of ability, skills, location, or time commitment. It’s also a very rewarding way to make a difference whilst making new friends.”
Dorset Council work alongside Volunteer Centre Dorset to support communities that are strong, healthy, diverse, vibrant and flourishing.
To find out about any volunteering opportunities, or other events and activities across the coronation weekend and beyond, visit www.volunteeringdorset.org.uk.
