Timebanking and Covid-19
Timebanking UK, in partnership with Made Open, have launched a free national emergency platform, Communities Together; anyone can join to offer or request help in their area.
The aim of this platform is to facilitate the exchange of offers and requests between people in communities – helping people who are self-isolating to access support and stay connected during this time of crisis.
Timebank UK know that the best response is a local response and as such are putting a call-out for “street coordinators”, who can perform duties to connect others by finding out who can help or who needs help. The aim of this role is to post offers / requests on behalf of other people and check that users of the platform are who they say they are. Activities will be logged which will help support their safeguarding processes. Members of the platform can also apply to become “digital champions” – helping people to use this platform and stay connected.
It’s no exaggeration to say that in the past few weeks, our world has completely changed. We’ve seen an unprecedented response to a disease outbreak, which has had an impact on all of us. Timebanking, in a traditional sense, may be suspended as community members seek to help while also protecting themselves and those at risk, but the ‘give and take’ ethos upon which Timebanking is founded can still be on the basis of the support we give. As advice changes daily, Timebanking UK are issuing the following guidelines:
- Follow the NHS guidelines around COVID19 – you can find these HERE.
- If you experience a temperature, persistent dry cough, or other symptoms, arrange to work or study from home and try and avoid contact with others, including fellow time bank members. Self-isolate for 14 days if you have a cough or temperature.
- Use our postcard HERE to find out if people need support.
- Don’t take unnecessary risks: if you are helping someone, let a friend or family member know exactly where you are going.
- Knock on a window or door and leave shopping/other items on the doorstep with a friendly note, saying hello and reminding the receiver to wash their hands.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after any interaction, whether direct or indirect.
Timebanking
For anyone who would like to share or exchange their time and skills with others and receive help in return, Timebanking can be a great way to get involved in your community or to help others. Timebanking helps to make happier, healthier communities.
Timebanking is a free exchange of time and skills. People give an hour of their time to help someone, and earn a ‘time-credit’ that can be exchanged for an hour of help for themselves. Almost any type of help can be offered and by anyone. So, for each hour you give, you get something back and an hour’s help from others. It’s easy, it’s fun and it’s free!
Discover more about what Timebanking is
Discover more about where my nearest Timebank is.
For more information about Timebanks outside Central Bedfordshire visit Timebanking UK.
