Time Banking comes to Somersham!

Cambridgeshire County Council aims to become a ‘genuinely local council’.  This means we want to work even more closely with communities than we have in the past.  One way in which we are working towards this is by working in partnership with Somersham Parish Council to pilot a new Time Bank project in Cambridgeshire.  This project is funded by Skills for Care.

Time Banking is a way for local people to come together to help others and help themselves at the same time. Participants 'deposit' their time in the bank by giving practical help and support to others and are able to 'withdraw' their time when they need something done themselves.  So, one hour of time given gains you one hour of credit.

The Somersham Time Bank is going to have a particular focus on the needs of older people.  We are in the process of recruiting a part time coordinator who will encourage older people to request support, for example help with shopping, gardening or a trip out.  In return the person who has been helped could offer whatever they like e.g. teaching someone how to cook a favourite recipe or sharing anecdotes of life experience with a local youth group.  The possibilities are endless!

Cllr Steve Criswell is chair of Somersham Parish council and a Cabinet member on Cambridgeshire County Council.  He is very keen to see this initiative get off the ground.  He can be seen here talking to a local resident about his work in the local community.

The Time Bank will launch this summer.  If you would like to find out more please contact the parish council by email: somershampc@aol.com