Time4Leicestershire is a skills exchange initiative. Members share their skills, knowledge and support each other. In turn they can request skills they would like to learn.
Part of the national Timebanking UK initiative, Time4Leicestershire are encouraging individuals in Melton to register via the website. Once a member, they can list the skills they can offer or request support with skills they would benefit from.
The scheme is supported by Leicestershire County Council’s Public Health. There are many positive benefits to being a member of a timebank. Members become more connected to the people in their neighbourhood, improving emotional wellbeing for all. Signing up and being a member of the scheme is free, enabling anyone to join and meet new friends.
Timebanking differs from formal volunteering, as people swap skills at a time that suits them. For every hour of time somebody gives, they receive a time credit which they can use to request support with new skills from other members.
Skills swapped can be anything from mowing a lawn, learning to cook, or trying a new sport. People don’t have to meet in person to benefit from the scheme, they can swap time online, for example helping someone with their CV/interview preparation or researching a family tree.
To find out more about the Melton timebank visit www.time4leicestershire.org.uk.