Theory
- A mutual (open) credit system, where credit exists between agency/organisation and person.
- Activities are themed, based around specialist skills of agency leading the time bank eg health or learning.
Practice
- Members earn credits for active engagement in community activities.
- Type of activity undertaken is linked to the organisation running the time bank (e.g. Groundwork running environmental clean-ups).
- Rewards reinforce the theme of the activity and make it possible for future learning and activity.
- Rewards are themed to compliment focus of work (e.g. Groundwork's focus on environmental work means that rewards might be a trip to Kew gardens).
Factors for success
- Community group keen to develop greater community working.
- Organisation able to secure/ provide suitable rewards.
Potential Problems
- Having a single themed activity may reduce appeal of time bank to wide range of members.
- Focus and funding of time banking organisation may actively exclude certain community members.
- organisations may encounter difficulties sourcing funding for 'rewards'.
Examples from London
- Whittington Time Exchange: based with a school, children earn time credits for playground duty, helping with school events, looking after the buddy benchg and the prayer room. Rewards can be cashed in for group trips e.g. picnic trip for children that is paid for in time credits.
- 'Y' Bank, Tower Hamlets: This project works with young people who learn new skills and earn rewards when undertaking environmental clearances in their local area.
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