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Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

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News | 07 June 2024

Lend a hand and be part of The Big Help Out

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This weekend, 7–9 June, is The Big Help Out. It’s set to be the UK’s biggest ever of mobilisation of volunteers.

Across the UK, over 50 Scout Groups and Districts are taking part in The Big Help Out, offering opportunities and events for people to try volunteering for themselves. 

From helping out at regular meetings and sprucing up Scout meeting places, to taking part in community clean-ups, Scouts are opening their doors and making opportunities available to all. It’s all part of Volunteers’ Week, when millions are lending a hand in local communities.

The Big Help Out builds on the success of last year’s inaugural event, which saw 7.2 million step up and help make a difference. 

The image shows a Beaver wearing a Beaver blue polo shirt and a green hat, facing to their left. They're holding an archery bow and there's a volunteer in a dark green polo and cap stood behind them to help. The sun is shining and they're outside, and there are other Beavers/Cubs in the background by a wooden fence.

Fundays at Gilwell

At Scout Adventures, Gilwell Park, over 500 Scout volunteers are supporting Fundays on 8–9 June. They’re helping Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs from across the UK get out in the sunshine, have fun and try something new.

Activities will run from 10am to 4pm each day and include drumming workshops, races, inflatables, climbing, cooking, and circus skills.

Life’s better when we help other people. It makes us feel good, and helps us shine brighter. Volunteering is so good for our mental health and self esteem, and it's a great way to meet people. More than 80 per cent of volunteers say the work they do has improved their mental health and sense of wellbeing. Volunteering gives us a sense of purpose and a place to belong. It reminds us that the real secret to happiness is giving happiness to others. The Big Help Out proves that at heart, we’re a nation of givers, carers and sharers – at our best when we’re helping others.

Chief Scout, Bear Grylls


Opportunities for all

From collecting for food banks to community tidy ups, there are opportunities for all, no matter how much or little time people have. It could be a one off activity, such as delivering a hot meal to someone in the local area, or a more regular commitment, such as supporting Scouts on a weekly basis.

This is also a moment to celebrate and thank our amazing 145,000 adult volunteers in Scouts, not forgetting our 20,000 Young Leaders. They’re leading by example, and inspiring the volunteers of the future.

Get the badge

The Big Help Out blanket badge is now available on Scout Store. Buy yours today!

The image shows The Big Help Out badge. It has a green border with a blue fleur-de-lis in the top left corner and The Big Help Out logo in the middle on a white background. As part of the logo, there's white text on a green border saying 'Lend a hand. Make a change.'

Lend a hand and make a difference

If you’d like get involved as a volunteer, download The Big Help Out app, find an opportunity near you, and then share your experience with others. Be part of it!

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