Coronation 2023: How do I get involved in the Big Help Out?

The coronation of King Charles is primed to be the biggest event of the year, with numerous events being held to promote some of the best aspects of British life.

During the coronation bank holiday weekend, a whole day is being marked out for the "Big Help Out".

The day will focus on celebrating and promoting volunteering across the UK.

It will also serve as a dedication the King Charles's lifetime of public work as well as the wider Royal Family.

What is the Big Help Out?

The bank holiday Monday of the coronation on 8 May has been set aside for the Big Help Out.

Organised by the Together Coalition and a wide range of partners such as the Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service and faith groups from across the UK, the Big Help Out aims to highlight the positive impact volunteering has on communities.

The day marks the King's lifetime of public service and encourage others to try volunteering for themselves.

The aim of the day is to use volunteering to bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the coronation weekend.

The government is funding the programme with various businesses contributing their skills.

The organisers of Big Help Out also said it was important to celebrate the volunteering sector and reinvigorate it after the pandemic.

The number of volunteers plummeted in the UK during the pandemic, especially among the key older demographics.

Read more: When was the Queen's coronation and how could it differ for King Charles?

The day is being backed by numerous celebrities including Love Island star Faye Winter, Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Deborah Meaden and Paralympian swimming gold medallist Ellie Simmonds.

How do I get involved?

People who want to get involved can find information on the Big Help Out website and app.

On the app, users can enter their postcode and find events near them.

The app and website also have a central Volunteer Hub where people can view the different opportunities available nationwide.

Although the main day is on 8 May, events will run throughout the summer, with Volunteers Week from 1-7 June and Thank You Day on 2 July.

Organisers say if the Big Help Out is a success they may run similar events every year.

They say this is the first time a national campaign backed by the ability to find events quickly online has been tried in the UK.