The Coronation of the King – The Big Help Out

Cathedrals will showcase volunteering opportunities and offer taster sessions to mark the Big Help Out Coronation Weekend volunteering project to celebrate volunteering as an integral part of our national story.

The Coronation: Celebrating volunteers everywhere, The Big Help Out

Today (Wed 19 April) sees senior faith and community leaders volunteer to show support for the Big Help Out initiative and urge their communities to take part in volunteering activities on Coronation Bank Holiday 8 May.

Our cathedrals are taking part with litter picks, volunteer events, taster sessions and joining forces with other organisations to raise the profile of volunteering everywhere.

To mark the launch of the Big Help Out Coronation weekend project, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and other faith and community leaders will visit The Passage homelessness charity in London today where they will help sort donated clothing and serve food to the charity’s clients.

And today sees Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Bahá’í, Jain, Zoroastrian and Humanists all show their support for the Big Help Out initiative and urge their communities and members to celebrate the Coronation by volunteering.

The Big Help Out aims to promote, champion and showcase volunteering and hopes to build on the volunteer phenomenon seen during the pandemic and inspire a new generation of volunteers.

All our cathedrals rely on the support of thousands of volunteers without whom our historic places of worship would not be the places they are today. York Minster for example has the support of 400 volunteers.

Information about volunteering at the Minster will be available during the Big Help Out and can be found online at here.

Derby Cathedral too will offer taster sessions and have volunteers on hand to talk about their experience supporting the cathedral.

The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said:

“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.”

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, said:

“By taking part in The Big Help Out campaign, volunteering our time and energy, we can make a positive impact on our communities, help those in need, and promote social cohesion. I urge everyone, regardless of their faith or background, to embrace this opportunity and take part in this day of national volunteering. 

“May The Big Help Out be a source of inspiration and hope, and may it strengthen the bonds that unite us as a people.