time bank plus
Bath has a Timebank! Time Bank Plus is based on Twerton High Street and is busy connecting people in South West Bath, by sharing and giving time.
We hope it will appeal to YOU, someone maybe who has time and skills that are in demand but just don't know what to do about it or where to start.
And the great thing about Timebanks is that you help a neighbour and then, when you need it, a neighbour (most likely a different one) will help you. For every hour you give helping someone, you will be given a time credit. With this time credit you can 'buy' the help from someone else for something that you might need help with, or you can exchange it for training opportunities, or 'freebies' from local businesses or organisations.
 For every hour you spend being a good neighbour you will earn
- 1 Time Credit
Everyones time and talents are valued equally
- You give an hour and you get a hour back
You may have needs but feel you can offer nothing back
- Get in touch, we can still help you
 Your Time Credits will be banked on a computer 'time bank' for you to spend when you need them.
You don't have to earn Time Credits before you spend them
- You can ask for help from day one
You can donate some of your Time Credits to others who might need some extra help.
Time Credits are flexible - you help when you can - you do not have to commit yourself to specific days or times.
There is no cash involved.
- The only cost is your time
 Time Bank Plus has been running since September 2005. We now have over 350 members, who have exchanged almost 7,000 hours, sometimes through one-to-one support but also through group activities such as litter picks, tree planting and art workshops.
It has helped to involve members of the community by getting them out and about, meeting their neighbours and getting to know people from different age groups and backgrounds. It really is a cohesive, exciting and innovative project.
'Timebanks has turned around my life,' Time Bank Plus participant
Examples of Time Bank members:
Dennis, age 56
"I feel more cheerful now than I did just sitting indoors watching the TV. I am staying out of the pub and am staying out of trouble by being kept busy and my mind is on other things. Not only that but I am getting to meet new friendly people."
 Since joining, Dennis has got involved in a number of time exchanges for local people helping with DIY, painting, gardening, admin jobs and anything else he feels he can do to help someone else. Dennis is learning to read and write (one to one) with another Time Bank volunteer.
Daniel, age 17
"I think the Time Bank is a good thing. It's given me something to do and keeps me out of trouble. I heard about the Time Bank through Connexions. I've done painting and decorating and was asked to DJ at their Christmas party. Now the local school is going to pay me to DJ for the pupils twice a year."
 Neil age 46
"I found out about the Time Bank through the volunteering centre in Bath. I have not worked for a number of years and was looking to get more skills and confidence through voluntary work and rebuild my administration skills. I think the Time Bank is really useful, keeping people from being isolated. They can get also things done without needing money and it is a good focus in the community." Neil currently volunteers in the Time Bank office.
Anise age 32
"The training I got involved in benefited me because it was at my own pace. I did not feel under pressure. I have been in situations where people have made me feel uncomfortable as I was not meeting the required 'standards'. I did not feel like this when I took part in the training sessions through the Time Bank. They had thought about the fact that I had a disability and they worked around me rather than me feeling that I was a nuisance. I feel more confident now and am able to speak up when I feel there is an issue to be raised."
And there are many more Time Bankers on our database. Contact the Time Bank Plus office to find out how to join, or fill in these two forms [application form and questionnaire] and return them to Sarah.
 Project information
We are grateful to a number of committed partners who were involved in setting up and running the Timebank. They are: B&NES Community Day Services, Hayesfield School, Somer Community Housing Trust, Mentoring Plus, Sure Start, Rackfield Hall and Carrs Woodland Forum.
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| Time Bank Plus is supported by Time Banks UK |
A scoping study was carried out before we set up the Time Bank to check that it matched the needs of the people in the area. You can download it here. For information about Timebanks elsewhere contact www.timebanks.co.uk
Time Bank Plus is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and Bath Communities Partnership.
For more information contact Sarah Bird, Time Bank Broker: 01225 442813.
The Timebank is located at 86 Twerton High Street, Bath BA2 1DE
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