Sawston: Getting to know your neighbours
Scotland: Fiona and Frances team up
New time bank opened in Winchester
52 volunteers were there, along with the leader of the council to welcome the latest project which is allied with the NHS Trust in Winchester.
Help after a major surgery
After having major bowel surgery, I realised that I had limited capacity to undertake every day normal tasks and my mobility was limited. I approached Action for Children service for support in relation to benefits advice, and whilst there I noticed a poster advertising the More Nosh for Dosh group. As cooking was a passion of mine and the venue was close to my home, I was able to attend.
I have been attending the More Nosh 4 Dosh sessions for 8 months. I was approached by Amanda in October about Volunteering through Timebanking. I have since been supporting families at the group to make meals on a budget, and I was approached to do a small buffet for senior management within Action for Children on the 8th January. I have now banked enough hours on Timebank to look for help with decorating at home. Amanda had spoken to me and suggested that I use my credits by advertising on the Action or Children notice board for a decorator. A match was found the following week and I have now secured a date for other Timebank members to complete the work for me.
I am pleased with the service that I have been given through Timebank and I now have the confidence to approach other community members about what they could gain from Volunteering opportunities.
Paxton Green, Lambeth
“Paxton Green Time Bank currently has over 200 active members, a figure which is growing weekly. We are committed to supporting the growth of time banking both in Southwark and Lambeth, and also nationally by working in partnership with Timebanking UK.”
St Ives Time Bank, Cambridgeshire
“St Ives’ answer to exchanging knowledge and skills, where the only currency is time. An exciting venture where people in the town are volunteering their own time and skills in return for other people’s. The project is strengthening ties in the community as well as bridging some of the gaps recent government cuts have created.”
Lee Fair Share, Lewisham
“Our time bank enables people from all backgrounds to come together, sharing their experiences and skills. People who might previously have felt isolated or marginalised in society can begin to feel more involved with and valued by those living around them, increasing the sense of local community.”
Our Time, Liverpool
This project takes a new approach by supporting individuals to engage with their local community, access services and rebuild their confidence.
“We’re a time banking project which aims to tackle the social isolation faced by adults in the Liverpool area who suffer from mental health issues. We create opportunities for people with mental health problems to exchange their skills and time and thereby improve their mental health by incorporating the five ways to wellbeing: connecting, giving, learning, taking notice and being active.”
HOur Bank, Peckham
“Here at the HOurBank, we’re building a community by simply helping one another. Community building helps people find friends outside of their usual circles, gives them experience and confidence in the skills they love, while making them feel valued.”
Opportunity Knocks Time Bank, Plymouth
“We’ve been working with individuals, communities and organisations in and around Plymouth for 30 years and pride ourselves in putting people at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to inspire and empower people to achieve their independence and aspirations and make a difference to individuals, groups and communities in Plymouth and surrounding areas.”