There are moments when the country needs to come together, and when charities have a real opportunity to help make that happen. This June is one of those moments.
Across the UK, communities are still living with the after-effects of the pandemic, alongside rising economic pressure, stretched services and increasing demand. Many charities are operating in a tougher environment than even a few years ago, with resources harder to come by and expectations continuing to grow.
It is perhaps no surprise that nearly seven in 10 people believe things in the UK have become worse in recent years and the Belonging Barometer revealing one in five say they do not really belong in the UK. The febrile political climate culminating in May’s local elections is only likely to exacerbate the situation.
At times like this, collective action matters more than ever, not just to meet immediate need, but to rebuild connection, trust and resilience. So, we are going further, bringing together two proven initiatives to create something bigger and more impactful than either could achieve alone.
That is why this year’s coming together of the Big Lunch and the Big Help Out matters. From 5 to 8 June, they will form a single, nationwide moment of community action, a “Big Do”. Led by the Eden Project, with partners including the Royal Voluntary Service, alongside organisations such as Guide Dogs and Girlguiding, and supported by funders including Pears Foundation and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, we want this to be the biggest community celebration weekend of its kind.
After stepping back to reflect and build, this is a return at scale, bringing together connection and volunteering in one coordinated national moment. For charities, this is an opportunity to bring in new volunteers, strengthen relationships with supporters, and connect more deeply with communities. Together we can show the best of UK community spirit.
A unique moment to reach new volunteers
One of the biggest challenges charities face is not just recruiting volunteers, but reaching people who may never have thought of themselves as volunteers.
The Big Lunch is built on simple, welcoming acts that bring people together. It shows that helping your community does not have to be complicated, and that small actions can make a real difference. The Big Help Out has shown that when people are given a clear and flexible invitation, many are willing to take part.
Bringing the two ideas together helps remove barriers. Someone might come along for a cup of tea and leave having agreed to help out, while others may try a one-off activity and realise they have more to give than they expected. This creates a natural pathway from connection to action. And both the Big Lunch and the Big Help Out have demonstrated nine in 10 people who take part meet someone they have never met before. That connection matters.
Why this year is different
This is a step up. The combined scale of these initiatives creates a far bigger national moment than either has delivered alone. Together, they create a call to action that charities can plug into. For small and local charities in particular, this is a rare chance to reach beyond existing networks and connect with new people.
It also comes at a time when the need is only growing. Many communities are under pressure, from the cost-of-living crisis to rising loneliness, and charities themselves are stretched.
Research from Public First highlights both the challenge and the opportunity. While only around 28% of people feel optimistic about the future, there remains a strong belief in community, with helping others and giving back among the things people are most proud of.
Those who take part in community activity or volunteering are significantly more likely to feel optimistic about their local area and the UK as a whole. Moments like this help turn goodwill into something practical.
Turning interest into something lasting
A single weekend is only the starting point. The real opportunity is what happens next. Turning a one-off volunteer into someone who stays involved depends on making it easy to get started, being clear about next steps, and offering opportunities that fit around busy lives.
At Lloyds Bank Foundation, we see every day how vital community-led organisations are in supporting people facing complex challenges. Moments like this also show the value of collaboration.
When organisations come together, pooling knowledge, relationships and resources, the sector becomes more effective and more resilient. Opening your doors or being present in your community creates opportunities for people to understand what you do and why it matters, leading to new volunteers, supporters and partnerships.
A simple invitation
You do not need a big budget or a complex plan to take part. Often, the simplest ideas have the most impact, bringing people together, offering a taster of volunteering, or teaming up with other local groups. Charities can also make the most of this moment by listing opportunities on GoVo, helping connect with people looking for simple ways to get involved.
This June, millions of people will be looking for ways to connect and contribute. As charities, we have an opportunity, and arguably a responsibility, to meet that moment. Because when we make it easier for people to take part, we are helping build stronger, more connected communities for the long term.
Charities can find out more at thebigdo.com and register volunteering opportunities at govo.org
