The help we can offer for individuals
Time Banking
James at number 10 is an ex-mechanic and can fix cars, Francis in the flat above the cornershop can speak three different languages fluently and Antonio across the road loves shopping. There’s a wealth of experience in your local community that goes mostly unnoticed.
Time Banking in Tameside is an exciting new project available to everyone. You can get someone to wash your car, collect a prescription or even give you sports lessons for FREE! All we ask is that you give a small amount of time when you can to someone else who needs it. Choose something that you really like to do like cake baking, gardening or walking someone’s dog. Everyone has a skill that’s needed by another, and every single hour that you give, no matter what you do, earns you one time credit. You can either spend these credits yourself or donate them to someone else!
Anyone of any age, background and skill can join the Time Bank. The list of skills is endless, and it’s always worth asking if you need something done. By joining you will meet even more people in your own community and be part of a productive and friendly service.
Time Broker
A Time Broker is the person who organises who is going where and will introduce you to people who you will be exchanging time with.
Where?
Time Banking in Tameside is being piloted in the Smallshaw Hurst and Denton South areas. As of March 2010 we have 31 members signed up and planning exchanges. Here are just a few of the things that members in our pilot areas are offering to each other:
- Simple DIY
- Shopping
- Car washing
- Computer skills
- Moving and Lifting
- Cycle repairs
- Gardening
- Phone befriending
- Hospital visits
- Housework
- Ironing
- Laundry
- Simple decorating
- Teaching hobbies
- Golf coaching
- Sewing
- Cooking
If you live in one of these areas please contact Louise if you live in Denton South, and contact Tina if you live in Smallshaw Hurst.
Great news for people in these areas! But what if you live elsewhere in Tameside?! Well, in May 2010 we can support new groups to establish Time Banking in their own area. Grab a few friends or neighbours who might be interested and we can help you to set it up. Perhaps you’re an already established community group who fancies a bit of Time Banking? That’s fine too, we can help. If you want to get involved but don’t know anyone else who is interested, give us a call and we can see if we can put you in touch with other people in your area. Contact Georgia for more information
What’s the catch?
There is no catch! Membership is free. All you have to do is Give Time and Spend Time. In fact, you gain your very first time credit just by becoming a member.
How much time do I have to give?
However much you are able to. The great thing is you can give and take a lot or a little whenever you can.
What if I can’t give time for any reason?
If you are in a position where you need more help than you can give out then that is OK, the Time Broker will talk with you to sort out what can be done. It is always worth asking.
How do I know that I’m safe?
Each Time Bank member provides two references before they exchange time credits on their own. The Time Broker will, where possible, introduce members to one another for the first time.
If the task involves working with children or vulnerable adults on a one-to-one or regular basis then an enhanced criminal records check will be done. The Time Bank team will work with all members to find tasks that are suitable. The important thing to remember is that if you don’t feel comfortable then you can always say no.
What if I have no skill to offer?
Each and every person has a skill which is useful, some can be done from home, some can be done in a group and some involve getting out and about. There are many examples of the activities you can do and the Time Broker will be happy to sit down with you and explore what you can do. We all have a skill we can offer.
How can I join?
Registration is a simple and friendly process. We go through a short form with you and ask for details of two referees who have known you for more than two years and are not family. This is just to ensure that all our members have been vouched for.
If you are a Denton South resident you can contact Louise on 07816 433 418. She is based at the Haughton Green Centre on Tatton Road on Mondays 1-5pm, Tuesdays 9am-5pm and Fridays 9am-4pm, feel free to drop in and have a chat with her!
If you are a Smallshaw Hurst resident you can contact Tina on 07816 438 289. She is based in the New Charter Hazelhurst Neighbourhood Centre on Gorsey Lane on Mondays 9am-5pm, Tuesdays 9am-5pm and Wednesdays 9am-1pm.
For more information contact Georgia on 0161 339 2345, or email georgia@tamesidevb.org.uk.