VOLUNTEERING has always been part of our national spirit.
From putting on one of the best Olympics the world has ever seen to getting through the pandemic, again and again the British people have shown they are willing to give their time and energy to their communities.
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Volunteering has always been part of our national spirit - and the Big Help Out is coming back for all to join in - like Rory, 2, above, busy in a community garden Credit: Louis Wood 4
Volunteers last year in Essex Credit: Louis Wood 4
Astronaut Tim Peake explains why he is backing this year's Big Help Out Credit: PA
Last year for the King’s Coronation, the Big Help Out aimed to revitalise that part of the British spirit.
It worked. More than seven million people gave their time — the biggest volunteering push this nation has seen in living memory.
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It was a real moment of coming together for our country.
And nowhere is the importance of coming together more apparent than on the International Space Station.
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Up there, every aspect of your daily life — and survival — depends on people from the most diverse backgrounds working as a team in service of something -bigger than themselves.
That’s why I’m backing the return of the Big Help Out this year. From Friday, June 7 to Sunday, June 9, we are asking everyone to pledge their time to a good cause in their community.
It doesn’t matter what that good cause is — you can teach kids football, support youth clubs, assist the local food bank to sort donations or help keep the countryside clean.
This year the campaign runs for a whole weekend, making it even easier for schools and -businesses to help out too.
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And it’s not just about helping others.
One of the very best things about volunteering is how much it helps the volunteer themselves.
It is a great way to meet new people, build relationships and boost your own mental health — all while giving something back to the community you call home every day.
Getting involved could not be easier. From this spring, thousands of charities and other organisations will have -volunteering opportunities available on the Big Help Out platform.
Until then, you can visit the Big Help Out website — thebighelpout.org.uk — to offer up your time this -summer.
And in the spring you’ll get an email welcoming you to find the opportunity that’s right for you.
So save the date, make the pledge and get ready for what might just be the -highlight of your year.
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The return of the Big Help Out this year runs from Friday, June 7 to Sunday, June 9 Credit: BIG HELP OUT