To mark The King’s Coronation thousands of organisations across the country are getting together to give us all the chance to help out in our own local communities.
Churches across the UK are invited to join #TheBigHelpOut on Monday 8 May 2023 to recognise the contribution of volunteering to our communities.
Information for those wanting to organise an event is available on the Big Help Out website and a Q&A document is available. You can also download a toolkit which includes visuals for publicity.
You can check out the volunteering opportunities near you on the Big Help Out app.
Faith leaders show support
A group of faith leaders got involved in The Big Help Out by volunteering at The Passage charity in London on 19 April 2023 to highlight the importance of faith communities as sources of volunteering in the UK. They included the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis.
Statements of support have come from all major UK faith communities (Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Bahá’í Jain and Zoroastrian).
Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury:
“During the Coronation, His Majesty The King will be anointed to serve others, and we’ll be giving thanks for the King’s example of service. That’s why helping others is a key theme of the Coronation weekend – and why I’m so delighted to support the Big Help Out. As we celebrate the Coronation, I joyfully encourage everyone to help out in all kinds of creative ways. I pray we take this opportunity to come together, support those around us and unite our communities. Let’s build a legacy of love for one another.”
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster:
“There is so much to look forward to over the Coronation weekend. On Saturday, the Coronation itself. On Sunday, celebrations in our communities. Then, on Monday, a chance to give something back through the Big Help Out. Volunteering is so important and I encourage everyone to take part. Jesus himself came to the world, not to be served but to serve. If we all lend a hand – at a local project, with a national charity – the effect will be wonderful. Together, we can make a real change for the better.”
Most Revd John McDowell, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland:
“As with everything in human life, including our spiritual lives, things come to maturity through growth. They never arrive mature and fully formed. Love of all kinds (of community, of friends, of God) grows and is proved by its actions, not by its intentions or its words. As the word volunteering itself suggests, to give of ourselves at no cost and in freedom, is an act of the will put into concrete, loving action. That is why I am delighted to be supporting the Big Help Out, an initiative providing opportunities for people from all faiths and none to experience volunteering and make a difference in their communities”.
Commissioner Anthony Cotterill, Territorial Commander of the Salvation Army:
“In every corner of the UK, volunteers with The Salvation Army generously make a positive difference to their communities and especially to the lives of the most vulnerable. We are so grateful for those who voluntarily support victims of modern slavery, for those who help out at our foodbanks, charity shops and other community expressions such as journeying with people experiencing homelessness. We are so appreciative of this volunteer army! The Big Help Out, to mark the Coronation, shines a light on the vital work of volunteers who truly make a positive difference to life in the UK, and we wholeheartedly welcome this initiative.”
Right Revd Dr Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland:
“Volunteering is a subject that is clearly close to the King’s heart as he has dedicated his public life to supporting volunteering and charitable activities. Church people too have a long history of working together often with other faith groups to help those in need and on the margins.
The Big Help Out is an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of His Majesty’s service and demonstrate the impact of volunteering within our communities. Everyone young and old can take part and I look forward to seeing what comes from this shared endeavour.”
Most Revd Andrew John, the Archbishop of Wales:
“There’s a secret volunteers have that not many people know and it’s this: when you give freely, you always get more back in return. That’s why volunteering is such an amazing gift to celebrate, why giving is such an important part of our Christian faith and why The Big Help Out festival is the perfect way to mark our King’s Coronation.”
Dr Nicola Brady, General Secretary, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland:
“At a time when so many people in our communities are struggling, The Big Help Out is a welcome reminder of the importance of pulling together and valuing everyone’s contribution to our society. Faith communities across the UK have greatly appreciated His Majesty’s support and encouragement for their contribution to the work of building community and supporting those who are vulnerable, alongside other civic leaders. The Big Help Out provides a further valuable opportunity to promote and raise awareness of that work.”
Bishop Mike Royal, General Secretary, Churches Together in England:
“The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III is a moment of celebration for the nation. His Majesty has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to charity best exemplified by the work of The Prince’s Trust. Following His Majesty’s example, The Big Help Out on 8 May 2023 represents a moment for everyone to come together and engage in charitable activities that will make a difference in local communities. I hope community groups, faith communities and voluntary organisations will seize the moment, because charity work remains the bedrock of so much that is good about Great Britain”.
