Timebanking in Lambeth – new fund and workshop

NHS Lambeth have just launched a new fund aimed at increasing timebanking activity in Lambeth. Timebanking is one of the incentives that could contribute to the cooperative council, and can be a way of encouraging involvement of residents in running public services.

Timebanking is a form of volunteering which is effective at strengthening communities and social networks. It is being used by the public sector as one way of delivering preventive services that are designed and delivered in partnership with residents.

Timebanking recognises all people as having valuable skills and resources that can contribute to building a stronger community, as well as build up their individual skills. There are several models of delivery, but they all take the same approach: mutuality and reciprocity. Participants ‘deposit’ their time in the bank by giving practical help and support to others and are able to ‘withdraw’ their time when they need something done themselves. Timebanking is considered a key approach to supporting a different social and economic model – where work that does not normally have an economic value is rewarded and appreciated.

There is a Time Bank development workshop on Monday 17th October at YMCA Stockwell, King Georges House, 40 -46 Stockwell Rd, SW9 9ES from 4.30 – 7.00pm where you can find out more about timebanking and this fund. If you are interested in attending, please contact Natalie Sutherland (Natalie.Sutherland@lambethpct.nhs.uk, 020 3049 4268) to confirm your place. Natalie can also provide the application pack and form with further details on the new fund.

If anyone is looking to try to find ways to involve people in their activities they should consider whether timebanking can support this and to go to the workshop!