Welcome to Fair Shares

Fair Shares is a community based project that uses two-way volunteering, to reward people for the time and effort they put into their neighbourhood.

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Give your time and join up today!

Need to learn more about how time banking works before you get involved with Fair Shares.

Learn more now

Interested in Getting Started

Want to find out more about how you can get started with Fair Shares, and the next steps involved.

Get started now

Fair Shares projects

Fair Shares is involved with many different projects, ranging from working with young people, to work in prisons, fundraising events and dementia work.

View our projects

Latest News

Here to Help

Prescriptions, deliveries and fresh food – here’s an overview of what we’ve been up to lately and how we may be able to help you. From individuals to other organisations, we’ve been making links and helping those in need. In…read more

Down at the Allotment

Lots has been happening down at our allotment, thanks to Rachel and various volunteers. We’ve had a bumper crop of tomatoes, strawberries, onions and courgettes as well as lots of parsley, chives and other herbs. Visitors to the allotment have…read more

Black Lives Matter

Fair Shares’ commitment to diversity and anti-racism: a response to the voice of Black Lives Matter. Building strong communities is the central focus of Fair Shares’ work. Time banking promotes neighbourliness and enables everyone to give and to receive. We…read more

Time for Food

On Friday we cooked and delivered our 4000th meal as part of the community response to the Covid-19 situation. Over the past 4 months we, together with The Friendship Cafe, have been cooking meals every weekday to give out to…read more

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Different ways you can get involved

As an individual

There are many ways you can get involved; from sharing time and skills with others in the community, taking part in our social activities, to joining our charity shop team. The options are endless.

Learn more here

Through GEM

Meet with our Navigator Developer, Farhanah, and start your GEM journey towards employment.

Find out more

Make a donation

If you don't feel you can share your time, then you can also give a donation to the Fair Shares community.

Ways to Donate
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How Fair Shares has helped…

I’ve been involved in Fair Shares for three years, after volunteering at a woodland project, Gymnation, the Furniture Recycling Project and the City Farm. I don’t like office work, I prefer doing practical things that help people – Fair Shares is all about people helping each other. I’ve learned all sorts of skills – carpentry, gardening, lambing and repairing things. I feel safe, welcome and useful here

Luke from Gloucester

Times2 Maths mentoring has “brought me out of my shell, it’s helped my confidence”

John - Maths Mentor Leyhill

Fair Shares members have been so supportive. They have moved an ottoman for me and provided lifts and in return I have undertaken extensive sewing repairs. It’s a very effective method.

Gee from Newent

It’s been amazing because we can actually have a conversation with older people and learn things from them and at the same time learn something new about cooking, nutrition and how to budget.

John, a young participant from Stroud

It’s a great way of getting unemployed people back into things, instead of them being made to feel redundant and losing confidence.

Bill Wragge, Cotswold District Council

Coming here has helped me become more confident; I am more comfortable with people and I can make and do useful things to help other people, and make friends who don’t judge you. It’s made me think about becoming a social worker, or a teacher.

Courntey, a young participant in Gloucester

When I first came into prison 3 years ago, I had very little confidence regarding maths but I have improved to the point I’m now a mentor

S. a Maths mentor in HMP Leyhill

It’s just the natural way of living – everyone helping each other out.

Rob from Gloucester

Times2 Maths is good because helping people in prison  also means helping the less fortunate outside

Michael - Maths mentor HMP Erlestoke

I feel part of their community and know that my time and skills are valued

Vivienne from Newent

I’ve really enjoyed being with younger people and been impressed with their commitment. Without this we would never have met and had the time to speak and listen to each other. This could help change people’s attitudes.

Pammy from Stroud

I struggle sitting in a classroom but a little bit of maths [mentoring] in a different environment, is encouraging.

J. - Maths Learner in HMP Erlestoke

My illness no longer defines or limits my life. Fair Shares has changed my life. I can’t talk highly enough about it.

Fred in Gloucester

When I walk around town, I see so many people I know. It’s embedded me into the community

Jane from North Cotswolds