Following the success of the TimeTree North East Dundee TimeBank, I was contacted recently by Gill Bain, Timebank Development Officer, about starting a similar initiative across the West End.
Here's some information from Gill, along with contact details:
There’s nothing new about people helping out friends and neighbours. Some of that goes on every day in Dundee. Sometimes, though, it can be hard to offer help to people you don’t know or say when you could do with a hand yourself. Timebanking is a new and exciting way for people to share their skills within the community and be rewarded for it- in time. By helping others you can meet new people, do the things you enjoy and get something back.
Time banking works on the principle that everyone has something to offer, no matter who they are or what age they are!
For every hour that someone volunteers they receive an hour's credit to “spend” when they need a service in return. For example, one person may provide gardening and in return may get help with computer skills. Everyone has something to offer and something to give!
You can give as little or as much as you want, it could be that you are walking someone’s dog on a weekly basis or it could be that you are just providing a one off service such as helping someone with building some furniture. It is entirely up to you!
Two new Development Workers have been funded through Reshaping Care for Older People, on a job share basis. Gill Bain and Barry Thomson will be rolling timebanks out across Dundee, after the success of the pilot timebank in the North East of Dundee- TimeTree NorthEast Dundee TimeBank.
If you would like more information about timebanking or are keen to discuss the possibility of timebanking in your area, please contact:
Phone 305758