The Big Help Out will return on 5-8 June 2026, marking the comeback of the volunteering event after a year-long break.
Created by the Scouts and Royal Voluntary Service, the event was designed as part of King Charles III’s coronation and first held in May 2023.
In February, Big Help Out’s co-founder and chair Matt Hyde announced that the event would be put on hold this year due to external factors limiting “our capacity to plan”.
The 2026 version of the event will be hosted by Hyde and Andy Jasper, CEO of the Eden Project, the charity behind the Big Lunch.
Both the Big Lunch – an annual get-together for neighbours and communities – and Big Help Out will come together to encourage a weekend of community action in the UK.
Organisers said the campaign will be supported by 36 of the largest volunteering charities in the Shaping the Future with Volunteering network.
They hope it will “engage voluntary organisations of all sizes across the UK who are keen to welcome and inspire new volunteers, thank their existing volunteer networks and celebrate communities”.
‘Exciting collaboration’
Jasper said: “We’re delighted to be bringing the Big Lunch and the Big Help Out together for 2026 as part of Eden Project’s charitable work.
“There’s never been a more important time to bring people and communities together and to support them to take positive action where they live.
“This exciting collaboration will bring all the friendship, food and fun of the Big Lunch together with the chance for people from all walks of life to try something new, make a difference and have a go at volunteering in a new way.
“There’s something for everyone and by working together we can grow connections, strengthen our communities – and have a good time doing it!”
Hyde, who is also CEO of the Lloyds Bank Foundation, said: “We’re thrilled that the Big Help Out is returning in 2026 and we’re particularly pleased that it’ll be hosted by our friends at Eden alongside the Big Lunch.
“These two fantastic initiatives bring people together in communities, encouraging them to connect, have fun and take action on causes they care about.
“We’re going to be mobilising charities, businesses, and community-led efforts to make this a weekend to remember with a lasting positive impact.”
Last year, the Big Help Out reported that an estimated 6.5 million people took part, compared with 7.2 million in 2023.
