Inspired by and supported by Mitzvah Day, the Big Help Out volunteering initiative for the coronation Bank Holiday was launched on Wednesday.

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Mitzvah Day chair Laura Marks were among faith and community leaders who visited The Passage homelessness charity in central London to sort donated clothing and serve food to its clients.

Rabbi Mirvis said the coronation “will not only be a day of national celebration. It also provides us with an opportunity to come together as a country to serve a greater good.

“By taking part in the Big Help Out, which is supported by our own established and Jewish-led Mitzvah Day, we can make a positive impact on our communities, help those in need and promote social cohesion.

“May it be a source of inspiration and hope and may it strengthen the bonds that unite us as a nation.”

Marks added that “as pioneers of faith-based collective volunteering, we at Mitzvah Day understand the benefits to local charities and causes and also the transformative experience for those who take part.”

Backed by all major UK faith communities, the Big Help Out is one of the official coronation projects.

It is being administered by the Together Coalition, whose co-founder Brendan Cox noted: “The UK’s faith communities excel at volunteering and bringing people together and we are most grateful for the support and experience of Mitzvah Day, an exemplar of faith-based volunteering.”