Watch our video guide to the mobile app!

You’ll find volunteering opportunities big and small, with something to suit helping hands of all shapes and sizes. If you can spare an hour, fantastic. A day, amazing. Do you want to try out something new, no problem!

Charity organisations are required to create accounts on the website with enough information about charity events, their locations, time, and the type of help needed.

Volunteers are asked to create an account and their location and area of volunteering preferences. Then volunteers are provided with matching events created by charity organisations based on the location. A volunteer can then select and apply to any of the events recommended to them by The Big Help Out.

Type of Opportunities

Opportunities on doit.life can range from volunteering for local community events and team events, assisting non-profit organisations, participating in environmental initiatives, supporting educational programs, and much more. The platform offers opportunities to get involved in various causes. If you can only help out for a couple of hours to supporting a charity every week, we have it for you!

Content difference Between BHO Web Version and App

The content available on the BHO (Big Help Out) web version and app is generally the same. However, the app may offer a more streamlined and user-friendly interface optimised for mobile devices, while the web version may provide additional features suited for desktop browsing.

Finding Opportunities for a Specific Organisation

To find opportunities for a particular organization, you can use the search function on the platform and enter the name of the organization you're interested in volunteering for. This will filter the available opportunities specifically related to that organisation.

Finding Opportunities in Your Hometown

You can find opportunities in your hometown by specifying your location either town or post code. It´s in the top right on web and on mobile it´s when you first sign in.

On web if you tab on this in the top right

Click into the box and type your location in

Then click set location and it will save your address. This will affect your search results.

This will display volunteering opportunities that are available in your local area. This location will save to your profile. If you would like to edit your location on your profile you can do so and every time you log back in you will see this.

Finding Opportunities to Do it from Home

To find opportunities that you can do from home, you can use the filter "From home" This will show you volunteering opportunities that can be completed remotely, such as virtual mentoring, online tutoring, or digital support roles.

Signing Up as a Team or Group

To sign up with friends and family as a team, you can coordinate your volunteering efforts and collectively register for the same opportunity on the doit.life platform. Click on teams, create team and invite your teammates by email or if they are already joined, you can search their name, once you have created the team, book on the event!

Signing Up for Multiple Opportunities

Yes, you can sign up for more than one opportunity. Simply browse through the available opportunities and register for those that interest you and fit your schedule. You will see them in your my activities list.

Viewing Signed-Up Opportunities

You can view the opportunities you have already signed up for by accessing your profile or dashboard on the doit.life platform under My activities. This will display a list of the opportunities you've registered for along with any relevant details.

Availability of Future Opportunities

Yes, more opportunities will be made available in the coming weeks as new initiatives and projects are added to the doit.life platform. Keep checking regularly for updates on upcoming volunteering opportunities.

Filters Available After Signing Up

After signing up for a volunteering opportunity, you may have access to filters that allow you to share your participation on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. These filters can showcase your involvement in The Big Help Out and highlight the organisation you're supporting! They are at the bottom of the email where you have booked on the event.

Troubleshooting Verification Code Issue

If you're not receiving a verification code in your email and are unable to log in, you should first check your spam or junk folder to ensure the email hasn't been filtered there. If you still haven't received the verification code, you can try resending it or contacting the platform's support team for assistance in resolving the issue.

Is there an age limit to be a volunteer? -

Yes, for most of our volunteering opportunities you need to be 16 years old or older. However you are welcome to sign up for activities as a ‘team’ with guardians, adults and/or your family members. There could also be opportunities to get involved through your School. Check our schools page to see what Schools are doing this year!

I created an account on BHO Platform last year, can I use it again this year? -

You can use the same login information but remember to update the application as we have a new app for 2024. When the new app goes live in April, you will also be prompted to update the app when you open up the one you used last year.

I am a student, or a tourist, or an asylum seeker in the UK, can I volunteer and participate in The Big Help Out? -

In most cases, there is no problem with you volunteering in the UK regardless of your nationality or visa status. In certain specific circumstances however, limitations may apply – this depends on the kind of volunteering work you do and the terms of your visit to the UK. More guidance can be found here.

We recommend that asylum seekers see this guidance from Refugee Action. Regardless of your nationality or visa status, as long as you are in the UK, you can get involved. For asylum seekers, here is more guidance.

Can I volunteer with organisations after The Big Help Out? -

Absolutely! The whole idea is to connect new and returning volunteers to wonderful, inspiring organisations across the UK that need volunteers!

I would like to stay involved in campaigns like The Big Help Out that engage with communities. What else can I do? -

We have another great day for communities, Thank You Day, on July 7th, head over to the page and sign-up https://thankyouday.org.uk/

Can I bring a friend with me last minute for an opportunity I’ve signed up for?

In most cases, it’s – the more the merrier! However you’ll need to check with the organisation you are volunteering with in advance, as some volunteering opportunities might have number limits or specific information that needs to be sent out ahead of time.

How many hours do I need to commit to volunteer during The Big Help Out?

Totally up to you! It can be one hour or as many hours as you can spare! Equally, it could be just during the Big Help Out weekend, but if you wish, there will be plenty of opportunity to volunteer over a longer period of time

Do you cater to medical and accessibility requirements?

Our volunteering opportunities are open to everyone but we do encourage you to disclose any special requirements at the time of sign-up. We aim to create an environment that makes it safe for everyone to participate.

Will I be given some training or guidance from the organisation of my choice?

Yes! Before you start a volunteering opportunity you will be briefed by the organisation about the requirements, code of conduct, rules and any expectations. When in doubt, do ask questions!

Volunteering has impacted me positively and I want to share my story, how can I reach out? -

We’d love to hear from you! Firstly, you can always tag our social media accounts if you’re sharing your experience online! Don’t forget to use #TheBigHelpOut. Or send us a video up to 2 minutes or an image with text with us via email: thebighelpout@together.org.uk with subject line: Volunteering story 2024!

Best of luck on your search for volunteering opportunities! If you need any assistance or have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you in your efforts to make a positive impact in your communit