The Day We Went To Brighton

THE DAY WE WENT TO BRIGHTON

14-07-06

We were invited by Brighton Housing Trust to come and do a presentation of Timebanking. So eleven of us all traipsed of to Kings Cross and boarded a train to Brighton.

We arrived in time for the session to begin. BHT held a meeting of all residents, tenants and other people who use their services in 2005, at that time it was agreed that a further event would be held in 2006 this was where we came in.

Don one of our timebank members talked about how one year on with the project he had developed gardening projects involving the youth of the area and had started a mens club. His advice was “have a go and see what people give you back”.

Karen brought up the East London timebank as an example of volunteering leading to employment. The youth of the area cleaned up their estate and turned it into a full time business.

Gary Wilson was interested in getting advice on how to set up a timebank.

Cyther another of our members said “I got into time bank to facilitate a poetry session”. Part of the Share your skills and get some thing back.

Erica one more of our timebank members said “ I did not know anyone in my area. And through time bank which is just down the road. I now can walk down the road and raise my head to say hello to lots of people. I feel I have a support network, new friends, and feel useful”.

Other usefull resources discussed were developing the newsletter which they already have (communication) get people involved.

Creating a service directory, talk sessions, Nef documentary and voluntary projects.

The afternoon went very well and the BHT showed lots of interest in setting up their own version of a timebank.

Afterwards we spent a few hours on the beach where 2 of our brokers reverted to childhood and threw each other in the sea.

Luckily they had some dry clothes with them although one of them decided to teach us how to recycle a plastic bag by converting it into a pair of knickers. The moral of this story is never forget how to be a child.
After a meal of fish and chips (well you cant go to Brighton and not have any) we returned to London happy and exhausted.