Can you lend a hand to someone in your community? Do you need a helping hand every now and then? If so, you’re a perfect recruit to North Edinburgh’s growing team of Time Bank members! Julie Smith recently took up a new post as Timebroker with North Edinburgh Time Bank, and she explains what it’s all about:
What is Time Banking?
Its’ a really simple idea designed to support people who help others and to offer support ro those that need it. For every hour you spend doing something for somebody, you get a time credit. You can then use that to get an hour of somebody else’s time to help you.
Isn’t that just being a good neighbour?
Yes it is! But we’ve all seen our communities change over time. We don’t all know our neighbours now, or where to go to ask for a favour. A time bank is a way of getting to know each other in the community, in order to give and receive help from each other.
What kind of help is on offer?
All sorts of different services are on offer – depending on the individual members involved. It can be anything from giving someone a lift to an appointment, to teaching them how to play guitar. It can be offering a bit of company to someone who is isolated, or doing the garden for someone who’s broken their arm … anything really, except babysitting and personal care.
I don’t have any skills to offer
Yes, you do! TIme Banking recognises all the talents, experiences and knowledge people have. You might be a good listener and available to be company for someone for an hour or so. You might be able to help them so their garden, or put up shelves. maybe you’re good at knitting or you can give folk a lift to an appointment. Everyone has something to offer.
How Does It Work?
You become a member of North Edinburgh Time Bank. Contact Julie Smith, your local Time Bank Broker – details below.
You can then start offering help to folk and receiving your time credits. You can ‘cash’ your credits in when you want to use someone else’s skills or knowledge.
Who’s in charge of the bank?
The TIme Bank Broker keeps a record of what you’ve done and keeps you informed of all the time credits you have. The Broker also organises social events so the members of the Time Bank can get to know each other.
How much time do I have to give?
As much or as little as you want. You decide what you want to offer and if you see if you’re available when someone wants your service. It may only be a couple of hours a month – or more or less. It’s really up to you – you’re in control and you can get involved as much – or as little – as you like, As a member, you can come to all the social events too!
Isn’t this just volunteering?
Time Banking is NOT volunteering of charity. It is all about the members offering their skills, abilities and expertise to help others to a level that you can expect from a friend or neighbour. You do not need to be an expert – on anything!
Who Can Join?
Everyone is welcome, as long as you’re 18 or over. Everyone is treated equally – everyone’s time is worth exactly the same and everyone has something worthwhile to contribute.
Interested, or want to find out more?
Contact Jule Smith on 07807 002 591, email north.timebank@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk
You can visit the website at www.edinburghtimebank.org or call in to North Edinburgh Arts cafe on Wednesdays from 10.30 – 11.30am
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