WILLING Warwickshire residents are being invited to step forward and support The Big Help Out.
The campaign – an official Coronation initiative – is encouraging people across the country to lend a hand, make a change, and have a go at different types of volunteering.
To support this, Warwickshire County Council is also sharing a variety of ways people can get involved in volunteering to help the people and good causes in their local area.
The Big Help Out campaign aims to get more people volunteering who traditionally have not considered it, or who may have experienced barriers or challenges to doing so in the past. 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.
From checking in on someone who would enjoy a bit of company to volunteering for a charity, there are plenty of ways that people across Warwickshire can get involved.
Thousands of volunteering opportunities are already available on The Big Help Out app, which is available to download for free from the AppStore or Google Play.
People can use the app to search for nearby volunteering opportunities by postcode, type of activity, or the organisation they would like to volunteer with. Plenty of volunteer activities are still expected to be added onto the app before the bank holiday Coronation weekend.
Organisations, individuals, or businesses can also organise and register their own volunteering events on The Big Help Out app or website, and spread the word by downloading free content from The Big Help Out toolkit to show their support.
WCC has a variety of ongoing volunteer opportunities that individuals can take part in, from helping at Warwickshire Country Parks, assisting in local libraries, to getting involved in timebanking or becoming an Independent Panel Member to hear school admissions appeals. Find out more at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/volunteering.
WCC’s Chief Executive Monica Fogarty said: “Volunteering even a small amount of time is something we can all contribute this May as part of the Coronation celebrations – from providing our neighbours with a cup of tea and some company, to supporting the work of good causes and larger charities and organisations. Not only does volunteering make a huge difference to other people’s lives, but it can also help to improve our own mental and physical health and wellbeing.
“Stepping forward to support The Big Help Out will make a real difference to people in Warwickshire’s local communities, and I encourage everyone to get involved in this fantastic community powered opportunity to help make Warwickshire the best it can be.”
