How the Time bank works
On joining a time bank, everyone is interviewed and provides references and those wishing to work with children or vulnerable adults are police checked. For every hours spent helping in the community, one time credit is recorded at the time bank, similarly, when asking for help, people can spend the time credits. Participants can ask for a statement of their credits but we don’t worry if people ‘spend’ more than they have earned – there is no debt in a time bank!
A time broker provides the link between people and makes it easier to ask for the help they need. They can also support new members and make introductions where necessary. Time brokers also organise a range of community activities to help encourage people to join the time bank.
People can take part as and when they want to. There is no minimum time commitment and they can be involved in regular activities or as and when they want to. Activities involve helping people in a one to one situation, as well as taking part in community activities.
We also have a Good Will Pot, where people can donate credits to which can be drawn on to support those who have more needs.