Time banks are community based projects which meet everyday needs through the exchange of time, skills and opportunities. For every hour you spend helping someone, you are entitled to an hour’s help in return. The time bank creates a mutually supportive network of neighbours helping neighbours and helps turn strangers into friends.The help provided is in many forms – practical tasks such as gardening, befriending, running errands, providing transport or helping someone learn a new skill.
Time banking is different to other community and volunteering projects because everyone’s time is valued equally and it recognises that everyone has needs and everyone has something to offer. When joining a time bank, people agree to both give to and benefit from the project. Time banking recognises that, given encouragement, support and the opportunity everyone wants to, and can, make a difference.
Time banking is making an enormous difference to people and communities across the UK. People are able to access help or services that they may not otherwise be able to afford. It helps build social networks, reduces isolation and loneliness. Everyone benefits from being part of something bigger than themselves.
Time banking helps build a sense of community, where people know neighbours and can rely on each other for help and support. It brings together people of different ages, cultures, backgrounds and abilities, who then interact with each other on an equal footing and with mutual respect and understanding. The time bank can help get things done in a community, providing a focus for the community’s time energy and skills.
