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Could Timebanking help prevent climate crisis?

André Gorz, a French social scientist, coined the term “degrowth” in 1972. At an academic forum, he posed a revolutionary question: “Is the earth’s balance, for which no-growth—or even degrowth—of material production is a necessary condition, compatible with the survival of the capitalist system?” Back then, the idea of prioritizing human and environmental welfare over economic growth was so radical that Gorz was laughed out of the political sphere.

The concept of degrowth as demonstrated in a timebank in Boston in the US.

The full story can be read here (external link).

Stroud: Supporting people in care home and sheltered housing

Eileen pictured at Stroud's Museum in the Park in front of the Budding lawnmower. — *Eileen, a descendant of lawnmower pioneer Edwin Budding, pictured with her ancestor’s invention at Stroud’s Museum in the Park*.

Former librarian Anna is a member of Fair Shares Stroud, the town’s time bank. She had been worried  that, once she’d retired, she’d miss the bustle and interest  of her job and the people she worked with and helped at the library. And, though as a talented artist and gardener with many  friends, she knew she wouldn’t be short of things to do, she wanted to do something for  her community.

St Neots: tackling isolation and homelessness

Members of the St Neots timebanking at work clearing weeds from a patio.

St Neots is a thriving Cambridgeshire time bank with an active membership who love to take on new challenges. In March 2020, St Neots celebrated their eighth birthday – and they have helped people in all kinds of ways since they started in 2012.

Broadway: how timebanking helped me to turn my life around

Paul Wilson used to run his own business before the breakdown of his marriage precipitated a descent into alcoholism and homelessness. He’s now a trustee of Broadway, the homelessness charity that helped him turn his life around through timebanking. Here’s his story.

Time bank member and her son at the graduation ceremony.

Nottingham: Timebanking helped my son realise his dream

Time credits can be transferred between time bank members and their family and friends. Here’s how a member of Nottingham time bank used her credits to support her son’s dream of going to university.

Bath: Helping others to help yourself

Dennis, who’s in his 50s, was referred to Bath time bank by social services and the local police because he had high support needs, could not read or write and often found himself in trouble with the law.

Isle of Wight: everyone has something to offer

Sally from West Wight Time Bank picking potatoes grown in the time bank’s community garden.

Sally is the coordinator of West Wight Time Bank, the UK’s most southerly time bank – and the only one on an island. She tells us how timebanking can help everyone find skills they can offer to others.

Settle: Everyone can get involved with timebanking

Guinea pig — *Sam was able to take a weekend break thanks to guinea pig-sitting arranged through her local time bank.*

As a disabled member, Sam found joining her local time bank in Settle has enabled her to get really involved in the wider community. Sam is plagued by pain and generally poor health, and this had limited her involvement, leaving her feeling isolated and unhappy.

Sawston: Getting to know your neighbours

Sawston time bank started in January 2019, with the aim of enabling local people to come together and help each other by exchanging knowledge, services and skills.