Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has described a major volunteer project, linked with Coronation celebrations, as “a source of inspiration and hope”, and has urged people to join it wherever possible.
The Big Help Out is one of the official projects of the forthcoming Coronation Weekend, and is an initiative aiming to promote, champion and showcase, volunteering. Building on the volunteer phenomenon seen during the pandemic, it aims to inspire a new generation of volunteers, by making it easy for everyone to recognise opportunities and get involved.
Chief Rabbi Mirvis joined the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and other faith and community leaders, to visit a homelessness charity in London, The Passage, to encourage their communities — and the nation as a whole — to take part in the Big Help Out, whose main focus will be on the Coronation Bank Holiday, Monday May 8. At The Passage, the group was due tohelp sort out donated clothing, and serve food to the charity’s clients.
Support for the Big Help Out has come from all major UK faith communities, and supportive statements have been issued by the Dean of Westminster Abbey, David Hoyle, the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Government Minister for Faith Communities, Baroness Scott of Bybrook.
In his statement of support for the initiative, Sir Ephraim said: “By taking part in the Big Help Out campaign, volunteering our time and energy, we can make a positive impact on our communities, help those in need, and promote social cohesion. I urge everyone, regardless of their faith or background, to embrace this opportunity and take part in this day of national volunteering. May the Big Help Out be a source of inspiration and hope, and may it strengthen the bonds that unite us as a people.”
Archbishop Welby said: “During the Coronation, His Majesty the King will be anointed to serve others, and we’ll be giving thanks for the King’s example of service. That’s why helping others is a key theme of the Coronation weekend – and why I’m so delighted to support the Big Help Out. As we celebrate the Coronation, I joyfully encourage everyone to help out in all kinds of creative ways. I pray we take this opportunity to come together, support those around us and unite our communities. Let’s build a legacy of love for one another.”
Board of Deputies president Marie Van Der Zyl, who will be attending the coronation, said: “The Big Help Out gives us all the opportunity to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty the King by doing something tangible to help our local communities. Acts of charity and work that benefit those less well-off are at the very heart of Judaism. I hope and expect that the Jewish community will throw itself into this wonderful initiative which pays tribute to the King’s lifetime of devotion to public service. I urge everyone who can to get involved.”
The project has also received the backing of the Interfaith Network, as well as the official inter-faith organisations for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Mitzvah Day, an established international day of faith-based volunteering. Other supportive statements came from the Bishop of the Ukrainian Church in London and the Chief Executive of Humanists UK.
