Who we are:
We are a time banking project which aims to tackle the social isolation faced by adults in the Liverpool area who suffer from mental health issues. The project takes a new approach by supporting individuals to engage with their local community, access services and rebuild their confidence. We create opportunities for people with mental health problems to exchange their skills and time and thereby improve their mental health by incorporating the five ways to wellbeing: connecting, giving, learning, taking notice and being active. What we offer:
Time banking is an exchange and sharing of skills and the only currency is time. The time bank is made up of members who receive one credit for every hour they give to the bank. The members earn their credits by providing services to members and spend their credits by buying services from other members. Time banking promotes social inclusion and empowers individuals by making the members feel valued as they are able to share their skills with others and learn new skills themselves. It can also be a way of saving money by getting simple DIY and decorating jobs done by members. Members get the chance to feel part of a community and everyone's time is valued equally. How we work:
We have monthly coffee socials where members can meet each other and some ‘trading’ of skills can be arranged. Community Links advisors maintain regular contact with members and motivate and encourage members to trade. Members are actively encouraged to deposit and withdraw time. Members are coached into rediscovering skills they may not have had the chance to practice regularly. What we achieve:
Time banking is perceived to increase both individual and community well-being through providing opportunities for people to learn new skills, make new friends, become active, give their time to others, learning and benefiting from new experiences. Several research studies support anecdotal evidence about the capacity of time banking to improve wellbeing. It is likely time banking can help to reduce anxiety and depression. Furthermore, time banking provides people with mental health problems with opportunities to take a more active part in society. Other information and useful links:
Timebanking UK: www.timebanking.org
