Time-banking is based on the idea that everyone in the community has a skill or talent to offer. A Time Bank puts people in touch with each other to share these skills. For every hour you spend helping someone, you earn 1 time credit for you to spend on one of the skills offered by another member.
The Islington Time Banks Network is committed to supporting local people. As well as providing ‘volunteering’ oppourtunities, time-banking enables our participants to access help and services they may not otherwise be able to afford. Exchanging skills, talents and time doesn’t just help you and the participants you help though, it changes local communities. People get to know each other and strangers turn into good neighbours and often good friends. People find ways to make their ideas into reality and change their communities – and often themselves – for the better.
- Time Bank participants during a befriending exchange
Time-banking started in Islington in 2002. An Islington network of four time banks was created in 2003. Two of those have since closed but there are currently seven time banks operating in Islington. We all work together but if you want to join a time bank go to the Network pages and pick the one closest to where you live.