Timebanking

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Hosted by the Gellideg Foundation Group and working in partnership with Communities First, the Timebank offer various opportunities to volunteer and to gain an award as a thank you for your time.

Each hour of volunteering is awarded a time credit and these credits ate then used on trips, therapies in the Healthy Living Suite and outings to various places or the theatre.

What is Time banking?
A time bank is a new and exciting way for people to come together to help others and help themselves at the same time. Participants 'deposit' their time in the bank and are awarded credits through participating in approved projects and activities and are able to 'withdraw' their credits when they wish. Our time bank is open to people over the age of 5 yrs with different abilities, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Everyone's time is valued equally: One hour = 1 time credit awarded
Participants can use their awarded time credits on a number of approved events/activities arranged throughout the year.

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A Time bank can help to:

• Bring people together in a spirit of equality
• Value and record contributions to community life
• Build an individuals confidence and skills
• Build organisational capacity
• Encourage community participation

Who is eligible to be involved?
Any person who lives in the Cyfarthfa Ward over the age of 5 yrs can be registered as a member of the ‘Time Bank’. They can then get involved in the activities pre-approved by the Steering Group. Most activities will be managed by a leader of a group of more than 2 members. (Not person to person)

How would they register?
Individual members must register to become a member of the Time banking process. Timebanking Activities will not be person to person but will be activities managed through a group setting with a nominated leader in charge to facilitate Timebanking process of Risk assessment, credit issue and Recording of attendance etc.

Registered individuals would receive a membership card and number and be permitted to participate in Time banking activities for the maximum of 9 hours per week (Limited to 9 hours per individual to help regulate hours/credits awarded throughout the Ward)

Aims of Time banking

• To increase social capital and build relationships
• To encourage participation by creating an award system for involvement
• To encourage Community Ownership through approved activities
• To motivate and develop individuals
• To value people equally through their participation and involvement

  Objectives

• To develop a social net work within the community.
• To provide a wide range of opportunities/activities/projects for involvement
• To provide awards for participation
• To establish Time banking-Recognition Process
• To identify participants to facilitate Process.

  Role of Activity Group Leader

• To provide evidence of appropriate Supervision requirement and safety risk assessment prior to activity
• Seek approval from Time bank Steering Committee for activity to proceed
• To Lead the Time bank activity
• Responsible for Health and Safety requirements during Activities
• Register all Activity Participants – process credits issued
• Liaise with Timebanker before and after Activity facilitate process

  Becoming a member
  Collect the appropriate (Adult/Child) registration form and ‘Questionnaire’ of interest from the Timebank Information Points Ring the Timebanker (01685 389867) for induction interview to be arranged.

  For those children attending the Youth Clubs arrangements will be made through the Youth Leaders to have induction interviews during Youth Club evenings once the applications and consent forms are received and signed by their Parent/Guardian.

  All participants will be expected to agree to our Standards of Care statement

  Timebanking information points are:

• Gellideg Foundation Group
• Twyncarmel FACT Shop

  Timebankers Credits

  You can now use your credits in the Hairdressers and Theraphy suite in Gellideg and the new Community Cafe. Credits can also be used for the Theraphy suite that has just opened up in our Twyncarmel FACT shop- please when booking an appointment clarify the number of credits required for the treatment and that you are a Timebank member wanting to use your credits. <

  Here's what some of our volunteers have to say about experience of Timebanking!

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