Essex celebrates the Coronation with The Big Help Out

A close up of two people holding hands.

To mark the Coronation of the King we are supporting The Big Help Out, which forms part of the King’s Coronation celebrations.

The Big Help Out, which starts on Monday 8 May, gives everyone the opportunity to help in their local community through volunteering.

Whatever time you can spare, there are opportunities for you to get involved and make a real difference.

For some inspiration take a look at the opportunities below:

Helping reduce social isolation with Essex Wellbeing Service

Essex Wellbeing Service needs volunteers to provide befriending support helping to reduce social isolation and loneliness. You could help with a variety of different roles including Facebook friend, phone friend, ‘front of house’ and buddy support.

Support and training is provided.

Inspiring others to go green with Love Essex Champions

Love Essex Champions help their local communities to waste less and recycle more. Champions have access to a range of fun challenges which could include sharing on social media, creating short films, chatting to friends and neighbours or attending talks and events.

All champions receive training and access to resources to help them gain knowledge. It offers a flexible volunteering approach allowing you to commit as much or as little time as you are able.

Sharing a love of books as a library volunteer

Home Library Service volunteers visit customers in their own homes or care homes. These are customers who are unable to visit the library in person and the Home Library Service enables them to continue to enjoy reading and benefit from social interaction.

Baby and Toddler Rhyme Time volunteers help deliver rhymes and stories to families with everybody joining in the singing and actions. It is an ideal way to support the development of children through sharing a love of books.

If you have strong technical skills other opportunities include Health and Digital Literacy Champion, Code Club Volunteer and Library Work Club Volunteer.

Supporting others to learn with ACL Essex

Classroom volunteers help support learners in adult learning classes across Essex. You could help in small groups or one to one, helping learners to gain confidence and to reach their goals.

Digital Champions are also needed to help people learn basic digital skills. You could be helping them to access the online world and learn vital skills which in turn can improve education and employment opportunities.

Parent Ambassador Volunteers are a valued part of ACL Essex, supporting parental engagement for schools and communities. There are opportunities in the levelling up areas of Basildon, Tendring, Harlow and Colchester.

Becoming an independent panel member for statutory schools appeals

Volunteers act as panels members for statutory admissions or exclusions appeals. Each case is heard by three panel members. Specialist knowledge is not required but volunteers need to listen carefully to all sides of the argument and make reasoned decisions.

Training is provided and travel and subsistence expenses are paid.

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst said: “We are really pleased to be supporting The Big Help Out initiative. Whatever your skills and background, everybody has something to offer to their local community. Volunteering helps to connect people to their communities and makes a huge amount of difference to the voluntary and community sector here in Essex.”

Find further inspiration on volunteering opportunities and Coronation celebrations.