The Big Help Out | Volunteer - The Big Help Out

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After another hugely successful summer of volunteering, The Big Help Out has now finished for this year. Almost 6.5 million people across the UK took part in The Big Help Out weekend. From litter picks, planting, making gifts for veterans, family fun days, and painting lidos, we saw the UK come out to lend a hand. To everyone who joined in – thank you; you’ve made a huge positive impact! We would love to hear your feedback.

The Big Help Out will be back in 2025 – click here to register now to be the first to hear about it later this year.

In the meantime, there are still many ways you can lend a hand in your community!

A volunteering management platform

Discover local volunteering opportunities from organisations that would love your help. Whether you’d like to try your hand at helping out at an animal sanctuary, or want to spend time helping older people in a nearby nursing home; there’s something for everyone. Find a volunteering platform online, register and get searching!

**The Big Help Out has now finished for this year and the BHO app has now closed**

Reach out to your local volunteering group!

Reach out to groups or organisations near you and ask them if you can donate some of your time as a volunteer, and what options are available. We’re sure they will be thrilled to have your help! You could also check websites of local organisations or national organisations.

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Organise something yourself (and let us know!)

Perhaps you’d like to organise a local litter pick in your neighbourhood, a graffiti clean up or even get those green fingers working in communal allotments; if you have an idea then follow the inspiration and organise your own event! Don’t forget to let us know and tag us on social media so we can shout about you too!

Share with us!

Even though The Big Help Out has now finished, you can continue to spread the word and encourage your friends to take part and #LendAHand for The Big Help Out. If you’re a volunteering regular, share your journey with your followers and tell them all the wonderful benefits that volunteering brings to people’s lives. Remember to tag us and use the hashtag #TheBigHelpOut!

Use The Big Help Out AR Filter to encourage your family, friends and followers to join the biggest mass volunteering event of the year! Spread the word by taking a picture of yourself with our AR Filter and give a shout-out to the organisation(s) you’re supporting through your social media stories.

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Play a game on Tik Tok

Get on to Tik Tok and play this fun game to show your support for #TheBigHelpOut! Tag a charity you love and tell us how you’re going to volunteer this summer. We’ve made this filter experience especially for our young volunteers who we hope will enjoy it. Make a video and post it on your Tik Tok account!

Filter Experience accepted to join the Big Help Out to deliver us this funny filter. You can find more about their work on the Filter Experience’s portfolio.

Play on TikTok

Volunteer FAQs

Yes, for most of our volunteering opportunities you need to be 16 years old or older. However you can also look to join as a ‘team’ with guardians, adults and/or your family members. There could also be opportunities to get involved through your School. Check our schools page to see what Schools can get involved.

Yes, absolutely – the Big Help Out will return in 2025! You can register your interest here to be one of the first to hear about it when we have further information.

In most cases, there is no problem with you volunteering in the UK regardless of your nationality or visa status. In certain specific circumstances however, limitations may apply – this depends on the kind of volunteering work you do and the terms of your visit to the UK. More guidance can be found here.

We recommend that asylum seekers see this guidance from Refugee Action. Regardless of your nationality or visa status, as long as you are in the UK, you can get involved. For asylum seekers, here is more guidance.

Yes, absolutely! Have a look at organisations in your local area (online, on your high street, etc.) , have a look on the websites of many or our partner organisations, on online volunteering platforms, and ask around amongst people you know. There are so many ways to get involved in your community, from football coaching, to litter picking, etc. Have a look around to find something that suits you!

Keep an eye on this website for further details! You can also register here to be one of the first to hear further details in due course!

In most cases, it’s – the more the merrier! However you’ll need to check with the organisation you are volunteering with in advance, as some volunteering opportunities might have number limits or specific information that needs to be sent out ahead of time.

Totally up to you! It can be one hour or as many hours as you can spare! Equally, it could be just during the Big Help Out weekend, but if you wish, there will be plenty of opportunity to volunteer over a longer period of time.

Our volunteering opportunities are open to everyone but we do encourage you to disclose any special requirements at the time of sign-up. We aim to create an environment that makes it safe for everyone to participate.

Yes! Before you start a volunteering opportunity you will be briefed by the organisation about the requirements, code of conduct, rules and any expectations. When in doubt, do ask questions!

We’d love to hear from you!

Firstly, you can always tag our social media accounts if you’re sharing your experience online! Don’t forget to use #TheBigHelpOut. You can also send your feedback by completing this form, or send us a video up to 2 minutes or an image with text with us via email: thebighelpout@together.org.uk with subject line: Volunteering story 2024!

Did you take part in The Big Help Out this year? Share your experiences and feedback with us and help shape The Big Help Out 2025!

Whether you hosted an event or joined a community initiative, your feedback is crucial for making next year’s campaign bigger and better. You can submit your feedback by completing this form.

Help us inspire more people to take part next year!

Lend a hand!