event to help establish a volunteering legacy. afterthree — one, two, three... all: big help out! the royalfamily helped kick things off last year. the prince and princess of wales and their children lent a hand to scouts in slough, carrying out some building work. the duke and duchess of edinburgh met volunteers working with guide dogs in reading. this year, the big help out coincides with volunteers week. set up in 1984, for 40 years it has been celebrating the benefits of volunteering — benefits often felt by the volunteers themselves. lisa started helping out at the newcastle dog and cat shelter 18 months ago. shortly after, her mum died. it was just a really dark time. itjust left me feeling completely lost, and without purpose. so, coming in here and getting to spend time with the animals — they give me so much more than i could give them. there will be volunteer events