Two volunteers for TCV West London represented The Conservation Volunteers at a fantastic event to promote The Big Help Out on 5-8th June. Alongside other brilliant charities, they were also joined by celebrity chef, Ainsley Harriott!
The event, held in support of The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out with Eden Communities, brought together volunteers and charity workers on board a vintage London Routemaster bus, highlighting the power of community action and connection.
The event began with a meal on the bus and concluded with hands-on volunteering in Wimbledon Park, where participants built bug hotels, planted sunflowers, and wrote kindness cards.
Shona and Gareth were our volunteers who joined Ainsley at the event, taking a break from their regular volunteering for TCV, where they give their time to nature to protect and restore local green spaces in West London.
The Big Help Out is a campaign that aims to bring people together through volunteering activities, offering a positive antidote to the growing sense of social division.
It is a perfect opportunity for new volunteers to get a taster of the welcoming and inclusive environment they would experience at any TCV session across the UK – we have seen the impact on both people and nature when people come together to volunteer, completing a shared task with purpose.
Ainsley Harriott, ambassador for The Big Help Out, said: “It’s been an absolute delight to pick up some of the city’s most dedicated volunteers on my very own Big Lunch and Big Help Out bus.
“These people are a shining example of community spirit in action and all do their bit to make the world a better place. Now it’s your turn to jump on board with The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out on June 5-8.
“Whether you grab a bite with your neighbours, clean up your local green space, or gather a group to help a local charity, it all makes a difference.”
Shona, TCV Volunteer said: “Gareth and I represented TCV West London and had a lovely morning linking in with other volunteers from a variety of both national and local charities. We were welcomed on the bus by Ainsley Harriet who was very complementary about all the volunteers.
“We had a delicious afternoon tea and helped Wimbledon Park volunteers plant two trees. Our conservation experience definitely came in handy!“
Join The Big Help Out with The Conservation Volunteers
Fancy joining in during The Big Help Out? Head to GoVo to find volunteering opportunities at TCV and other charities near to you!
Not available the weekend of 5-8th June? Find lots of other volunteering at TCV sites here.