Dorset Council is hoping local people will put Monday 8 May into their diaries as a day to help others.

To celebrate his Coronation, King Charles III is inviting everyone to volunteer for their favourite cause as part of The Big Help Out.

The aim of this day is to use volunteering to bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the Coronation Weekend.

Cllr Pothecary, chairman of Dorset Council, said: “Dorset has a fine reputation for giving voluntary support and it would be wonderful if residents took the opportunity of the ‘Big Help Out’ to increase the number of people prepared to offer some of their time to help others. It is a very satisfying and rewarding way to make a difference – whilst making new friends.”

From clearing weeds in our parks and open spaces, to helping our local sports groups and youth clubs thrive, or perhaps you would like to try your hand at fundraising or befriending services?  There are hundreds of projects to get involved with.

Cllr Laura Beddow, Cabinet member for Culture, Communities and Customer Services, said:  “We’re encouraging everyone to find out more about the volunteering opportunities available in their local communities and asking people to consider giving up as little as an hour a week, a fortnight, a month…to help as a volunteer.

“There are hundreds of volunteering opportunities across Dorset for anyone who would like to do one-off tasks, help at events, or wants a regular volunteering commitment –there is literally something for everyone regardless of ability, skills, location, or time commitment.”

Dorset Council works alongside Volunteering Centre Dorset and Community Action Network (CAN). Visit CAN’s volunteering hub to find out more about volunteering, what you can expect as a volunteer, what support you’ll get, and be inspired by reading the real stories from people who are currently volunteering in local communities.

To find out about any volunteering opportunities, or other events and activities across the coronation weekend and beyond, visit www.volunteeringdorset.org.uk.