How to get involved in volunteering:
Volunteering is a great way to:
- learn new skills
- meet new people
- boost your confidence
- make a difference
- have fun
Come and talk to us at the Volunteer Centre about how to get involved - please ring 01672 564140 to make an appointment to talk about volunteering. A confidential interview room is available.
Pewsey Vale Timebank
The Timebank project was set up at the end of 2007. Timebanking is a way for people (and organisations) to share skills, knowledge and support within their communities. It's a community development tool, promoting flexible, mutual volunteering. The unit of 'currency' is the hour - every hour of time given providing a service for someone in the community will be credited and can then be spent getting help in return.
For more information about the Pewsey Vale Time Bank, please conact the Time Broker - Deborah Guest - at Voluntary Action Kennet on 01672 564140. For more information about Time Banking generally, please click on the logo above.
Frequently Asked Questions:
So, what is a Time Bank anyway?
In an ideal world you'd know and trust all your neighbours, so if you needed a hand with a small job or project you could call on someone to help - and you'd lend a hand when they needed something in return. A time bank encourages that kind of neighbourhood give and take. Anyone who's ever been part of a babysitting circle will understand the idea. Time banking allows everyone to participate, and everyone's skills and contributions to be valued. Because it's reciprocal it moves away from the idea that there are volunteers and the 'volunteered to'. Studies indicate that time banking can reduce social isolation and improve mental health and well-being among participants, which sounds pretty good to me!
Why should you join?
Well, obviously we can't force you! But joining the Time Bank will give you the opportunity to ask for the help you need. Some people don't like to ask, but by joining the Time Bank you can be confident that you're not being a nuisance to anyone - sooner or later you'll have a chance to give an hour of yout time to help someone else out.
What services does the Time Bank provide?
You name it. We can't guarantee to meet all your needs, but if you asl us we'll try to find someone who can help, and it might be surprising to discover things that other people will value. But just to give you some ideas - mowing the lawn, walking the dog, painting the door, telephoning someone who's just going into, or has come out of hospital, visiting someone for an hour to give their carer a break, doing a small sewing job, helping to wash up after a community event, delivering leaflets for a small business - do I need to go on?
Aren't there some people who really don't have anything to offer?
Well, surprisingly few people really can't contribute anything, but in those cases it is possible for members to donate some of their earned hours to others.
How much time would I be expected to give?
It's up to you - that's the beauty of the system. Time banking is ideal for those people who'd like to volunteer but who are unable or unwilling to commit regularly. And with time banking you receive as much as you give.
It looks as though some of the services that the Time Bank offers are already provided by other organisations. Aren't you muscling in on established voluntary work?
No. See above. The Time Bank provides the services that its members decide that they need and can provide. It's unlikely that the demand for services and support is going to dry up, so there's room for all. It's also possible for organisations to join the Time Bank - so if your group needs extra help with something furing a busy time or for a special project, a time bank member could earn an hour by stepping in as a 'one-off'. A time bank and 'normal' voluntary services can and should be mututally beneficial, rather than treading on each other's toes.
How do you know who's doing what, when and for whom?
Everyone who joins the scheme has a 'bank account', managed by the Time Broker, who matches up offers and requests, and records all transactions and services.
Is it safe?
Good question. We take up references for all members, and carry out CRB checks if volunteers arelikely to be working with vulnerable individuals or groups. When doing DIY or gardening jobs for members (for example) time bank volunteers should observe Health and Safety procedures, check that equipment is safe and well maintained and generally take all normal precautions. The Time Bank is covered by Public Liability insurance.
What do I do now?
I'm so glad you asked. The Time Broker can give you an application form and open your account. We'll hold a brief 'interview' at which you can ask more questions, and we can work out what you can offer and what you'd like help with.
