Timebanking

Lead service provider/commissioner

Name:

Timebanking UK

Type of knowledge

Type of knowledge:

Project evaluation

Type of evaluation:

Outcome evaluation; Survey

Prevention service description

Timebanking UK was launched in 2002 by Martin Simon after he introduced timebanking to the UK in 1998. They work with individual member time banks across the UK providing support, advice, training, start up resources and free software (at a cost of £120 per time bank per annum). They also provide bespoke support to organisations such as local authorities or CCGs, to deliver information sessions, help design local timebanking networks, write a strategic plan, deliver training and engagement workshops and tailor any materials or software for the specific use of that organisation which suits the people of that community. (Bespoke project work starts at £3k per annum) Timebanking UK can also provide project coordination staff to these organisations to work weekly to implement and develop the network over a period of time.

Local people exchange time in hundreds of ways. Most popular are activities such as gardening, shopping, dog walking, errands, help at home and companionship. Group activities have been found to be extremely good at building social capital and examples are fitness, art, cooking, gardening, walking, visits and trips away and music. Organisations swap time and under used resources with each other such as meeting room space, training places, IT support and other professional skills.

Intervention/service type:

Support at home; Befriending, mentoring and peer support; Information and advice; Community services; Low-level support; Carers support; Social prescribing; Self-care