The Network
Current News
Islington Time Banks
Caxton House Time Bank
Hilldrop and Caledonian Road Time
Bank
Mildmay Time Bank
Upper Street Time Bank
Whittington Time Exchange
Contact Details
Caxton House Time Bank
Hilldrop and Caledonian
Road Time Bank
Mildmay Time Bank
Whittington Time Exchange
The Islington Time Bank Network
Useful Links
Time Banking
What is a Time Bank?
Time banks are being established in communities across the country, bringing
people together and improving the quality of peoples lives. In a world where
families are increasingly fragmented and traditional communities disappearing,
they enable people from all backgrounds to come together, sharing their experiences
and skills. People who might previously have felt isolated or marginalized in
society, can begin to feel more involved with and valued by those living around
them, increasing the sense of local community.
Who Can Join a Time Bank?
Anyone can join a Time Bank and offer their time and skills in exchange for
those of other members. Activities can be anything people might need and range
from gardening to music lessons or a member giving someone a lift in their car
and all time given is equally valued. Some other Time Banking activities might
include; neighbourhood renewal and environmental clean ups, community safety,
health, DIY and involving older people as active citizens.
What is the purpose of this Web site?
This Web Site provides information about the background and activities of the
Islington Time Banks Network. At present there are four Time Banks in the Network,
which are described in the sections; Hilldrop & Caledonian Road Time Bank,
Caxton House Time Bank, Mildmay Time Bank and Whittington Time Exchange. Current
News describes recent activities of members of the Network. The Network provides
information about the Islington Time Banks Network. Time Banking contains information
explaining what Time Banking is. Contact Details lists contact details and has
a contact form for each Time Bank and the Network. Accessibility describes ways
in which the design of this Web site complies with usability and disabled accessibility.
Site Map lists the page structure of this Web site, in compliance with disability
access requirements.
What is the purpose of a Time Bank?
A Time Bank enables people to help each other by exchanging time rather than
money. It can be of particular benefit to those who feel socially excluded.
Members can 'deposit' their time in the bank by helping others and 'withdraw'
their time when they need someone to do something for them. For instance Brian
helps Mrs Smith by collecting her prescription and he earns a time credit. In
exchange, Julie updates Brian's C.V. and then Mrs Smith gives Julie a lift to
the station. Each persons time is equally valuable.
How are Time Banks run?
Each Time Bank has a Time Broker, who promotes Time Banking in their area. They
recruit new members and arrange activities and events to reach out to local
groups, business and organizations. When new members join a Time Bank, they
identify the talents and skills that they can offer to other members and the
help that they would like to receive in return. These services can be added
to or withdrawn at any time. 'Timekeeper' software is used to record all transactions
between Time Bank members, providing details on the number of hours exchanged.
Each Time Bank Sponsor supports the development of their respective Time Bank
and provides resources for the Time Broker.
How is Time Bank performance monitored?
Each Time Bank has signed a Service level agreement with LBI (London Borough
of Islington - Regeneration and Education) and a joint one with each other and
LBI. This identifies quality assurance issues including health and safety, equal
opportunities and best practice. The sponsor organization of each Time Bank
monitors its performance. Also Time Bank Brokers will ask those taking part
for feedback, using questionnaires and informal interviews to ensure that people
are happy with their time exchanges.
What issues can Time Banks address?
The range of issues which Time Banks can address include: Active citizenship
to build sustainable communities. Helping local people with education, training
and finding jobs. Raising awareness of environmental concerns, minimizing litter
and waste and spreading doorstep and estate-based recycling schemes. Improving
access to mental and physical health resources and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
The Time Banks are based in priority/deprived wards in the borough of Islington
and particular emphasis will be placed on involving those in social housing
and 'communities of interest'.
How can Time Banks help both individuals and the community?
We all need the help which extended families used to provide. However this mutual
support is becoming less common, as family members often live many miles apart.
Time Banks can provide people with the opportunity to build such local support
networks, by exchanging the hours that they have earned helping others. Time
Bank Members can develop new skills and work experience, combating loneliness,
isolation and prejudice. Time Banking can restore a sense of self worth, which
is often taken away by unemployment or illness. Catharine, an M.E. sufferer,
has used her administration skills in the Time Bank She said "It is devastating
when an illness robs you of your self-esteem. Joining the Time Bank and using
my skills has given me confidence and helped me cope again".
How can Time Banks help both individuals and the community?
We all need the help which extended families used to provide. However this mutual
support is becoming less common, as family members often live many miles apart.
Time Banks can provide people with the opportunity to build such local support
networks, by exchanging the hours that they have earned helping others. Time
Bank Members can develop new skills and work experience, combating loneliness,
isolation and prejudice. Time Banking can restore a sense of self worth, which
is often taken away by unemployment or illness.
Who can become involved in Time Banking?
Anyone can become involved in Time Banking, as we all have something to give
and there are times when we need help in return. Those who are disabled or housebound
are able to contribute by becoming a phone friend or helping with homework via
the Internet. There is no age limit and older people can become active citizens
by sharing life experiences with younger people or helping others learn to read.
What is the purpose of the Network?
The Islington Time Banks Network brings together four Time Banks already running
across the borough and a fifth which is in the process of being set up. The
Network aims to help the four existing Time Banks grow and to promote the creation
of new Time Banks. It will offer support to organizations interested in setting
up Time Banks in priority/deprived Islington wards. This in turn is intended
to raise the levels of social inclusion, neighbourhood renewal and regional
prosperity.
How many Time Banks are in the Network?
There are currently four Time Banks running within the Islington Time Banks
Network: Hilldrop and Caledonian Road, hosted at the Hilldrop Community Centre.
Caxton House, hosted at the Caxton House Community Centre. Mildmay, hosted at
the Factory Community Project. Whittington Time Exchange, hosted by Hargrave
Park School.
The Network Launch
The Islington Time Banks Network was launched on November 12th 2003. Present
at the well attended launch were Deputy Mayor Joan Coupland and Councillor Laura
Willoughby.
How is the Network managed?
The Community Development team within the Regeneration and Education Service
offers project management support and works closely with Time Bank staff. The
Community Development Manager and the Community Development Officer act in a
strategic role and as the accountable body on behalf of LBI for the Project.
The Project Steering Group meets on a bi-monthly basis and includes representatives
of each Time Bank and other key partners including LBI (Community Development
Manager and a Community Development Officer). The Steering Group drives and
coordinates the development of the Islington Network, working with the 'Time
Bank Connector', who is based at 'The Factory' (which also sponsors Mildmay).
It is intended that the management of the network will eventually be taken on
by a consortium of voluntary sector organizations drawn from participating Time
Banks.
How is the Network funded?
The Islington Time Banks Network is currently funded by the NRF (Neighbourhood
Renewal Fund). LBI (London Borough of Islington) Regeneration and Education
is at present the accountable body for the Islington Time Banks Network and
plays a strategic role in its financial management. An extensive program of
fund raising will be undertaken by the Time Banks Connector between October
2004 and January 2005 to secure additional funding from other sources.
How can I become involved in the Islington Time Banks Network?
If you would like more information about the Islington Time Banks Network or
to enquire about becoming involved, Email: jsamra@urban.islington.gov.uk
or go to Contact Details.
Visit To Fair Shares
On the 31st of March and 1st of April 2004, members of the Islington Time Banks
Network visited Fair Shares in Gloucester. There was also a visit to the Stonehouse
Neighbourhood Project. The visit enabled members of the network to meet brokers
and volunteers from other Time Banks. The exchanging of ideas and experiences
was appreciated by all those involved.
Fair Shares Background
Fair Shares is a Charitable Trust and was set up in 1998. It explores the practicalities
of rebuilding communities in the UK, by using time as a currency. Inspired by
'Time Dollar', which runs in over 200 communities across the USA, Fair Shares
has established a number of time banks in Gloucester. Working with Time Banks
UK, they also aim to raise the profile of time banking nationally and offer
support to other initiatives around the country.
Where is the Time Bank based?
We have recently moved into Caxton House Community Centre, 129 St John's Way,
London N19 3RQ. Caxton House is a busy community centre housing projects working
with all areas of the community including children, young people, families,
housing, refugees, health, older people and ethnic minority groups.
( Caxton House Registered Charity no. 210270 )
What activities are Time Bank members involved in?
The time bank used to be based at Crouch Hill Community Centre so when we moved
to Caxton House we needed a new logo. Time bank member Bart helped design the
logo using his desk top publishing skills. He also helped us with our publicity
leaflet. He's looking for knitting lessons or back massage in exchange - can
anyone help him 'knit one, purl one'?!
Time banker Julian, who joined after hearing about us from Connexions at Caxton
House, will be working on other publicity including a newsletter and display
materials.
Chrissy and Liam are earning time credits for attending courses in nutrition and healthy eating with the Camden and Islington PCT 5 A Day Programme. They hope to spend their time credits on help when their new baby arrives in April.
The time bank will work with existing groups within Caxton House and the wider local community. We aim to build on experience and successes gained at Crouch Hill. Here are some highlights:
Rhiannon helps at the Homework Club. Drawings were made by members of the Homework Club showing Time Banking activities gardening and driving.
Time Bank members helped at the community centre with everything from re-upholstering the furniture to fundraising and publicity.
There was a strong arts base there and everyone would come together for the annual festival in July.
The time bank ran a Keep Fit and Dance Class with fitness instructor Karina, who taught the class in exchange for time credits. This gave her experience of running her own class and time bankers the opportunity to exchange time credits to attend the class.
Time Bank member Lisa Makoui took photographs for the Crouch Hill (now Caxton House) Time Bank launch at the Chill on the Hill Festival in September 2003. In November that year she was paid to take photographs for the launch of the Islington Time Banks Network (some of her photographs have been used in this Web site).
Cathrine helped with the Over 50's exercise class and shadowed the instructor, as she wanted to work with older people doing gentle exercise classes. Before she had the interview for her "dream job" she practised on a few time bankers. This gave her confidence for the interview and she got the job! Well done Cathrine!
How can I become involved in the Time Bank?
Anyone who wants to become involved in Time Banking is welcome. If you would
like more information about Caxton House Time Bank or to enquire about becoming
involved, E-mail: timebank@caxtonhouse.org
or go to Contact Details.
Hilldrop & Caledonian Road Time Bank
Where is the Time Bank based?
The Hilldrop and Caledonian Road Time Bank is run from The Hilldrop Community
Centre, which is at the heart of five local authority housing estates in North
West Islington. The Community Centre is managed by members of local Tenants
and Residents Associations and other interested groups and individuals.
What activities are Time Bank members involved in?
Time Bank members work with under 5's and their families and run after school
and holiday play schemes. They are also involved in work with young people and
the elderly and community outreach work. The community centre's strong links
to the community and widespread support are of great help in the creation of
Time Banking opportunities which will meet the needs of local residents.
Islington runs a recycling scheme, but there are limited facilities available
to those living in flats. Street based recycling facilities are often located
away from blocks of flats: In the Westbourne Estate area, Time Bank members
can take part in a household recycling scheme. Since August 2002, a Household
Recycling Collection service, for residents not included in Islington councils
doorstep recycling scheme, has collected half a tonne of recycled material,
such as paper, tin cans, glass bottles, jars and clothes.
The Walnut Wood project is an example of Time Banking, where a small wood next
to the Community Centre that had been derelict for at least 20 years, is being
developed into a children's play area. The project started as a way to encourage
local children to take an interest in the environment and was named after a
beautiful old Walnut tree, found in the previously overgrown Wood.
The children's group planned what they would like to see in their space. They
agreed upon swings, a den, a tree platform, and microenvironments in which to
watch insects, animals and fungus. The children meet on Thursdays, in the after
school club and have recently been making relief insect tiles to decorate the
garden wall. Volunteers, including people from nearby St Mungo's sheltered housing,
cleared debris from the Wood and in the process formed positive community links.
Time Bank members can take part in a farmers food cooperative, where they can
spend their time credits on the delivery service. The locally produced food
is spray free and provides an opportunity to eat more healthily. Surplus stock
is collected and delivered on Sunday afternoons or most Mondays. Other activities
Time Bank members have become involved in include the construction of a straw
bale building, promoting the benefits of shopping locally and a community mapping
project.
How can I become involved in the Time Bank?
Anyone who wants to become involved in Time Banking is welcome. If you would
like more information about Caxton House Time Bank or to enquire about becoming
involved go to How can I become involved in the Time Bank?
Anyone who wants to become involved in Time Banking is welcome. If you would
like more information about Hilldrop & Caledonian Road Time Bank or to enquire
about becoming involved, E-mail: kirsty@islington-foe.freeserve.co.uk
or annmbachu@isonline.org or go
to Contact Details.
Where is the Time Bank based?
The Mildmay Time Bank is hosted by The Factory Community Project and Youth Centre
at Newington Green.
What activities are Time Bank members involved in?
From its beginnings in 1973, when it provided childcare to local residents,
the Factory Community project has expanded to include services ranging from
a full time day nursery to twenty seven further education courses and five distinct
elderly groups. Development of the Mildmay Time Bank began in July 2003 and
aims to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for people living
and working in the area.
Having no specific theme, the Time Bank can adapt to meet the needs of the diverse
local population. The first 19 participants in the Mildmay Time Bank offered
44 different skills that other members could call upon.
One of the projects that Mildmay Time Bank members have worked on is called
'Making Winter warmer'. Working with other local groups, this project brought
together practical advice, training and resources enabling participants to ease
some of the difficulties experienced by vulnerable members of the community
during the Winter months. Much of this work involves people being 'good neighbours',
but without it people have falls or get sick and can even die.
In January 2004 the Mayville pensioners club lost staff as a result of cuts in funding. Eight Time Bank members are now helping to prepare and serve lunch three times a week to the elderly. Other skills on offer range from translation services, car repairs and computing to offering help to others by watering plants or feeding a cat.
How can I become involved in the Time Bank?
If you would like more information about Mildmay Time Bank or to enquire about
becoming involved, E-mail:mildmaytimebank@btconnect.com
or go to Contact Details.
Where is the Time Bank based?
The Whittington Time Exchange is hosted by the Whittington Agenda 21 Group,
and was launched in January 2002. The Whittington Agenda 21 Group is a voluntary
organization that has been based at Hargrave Park School since 1999. The Group
works in partnership with other local groups and organizations to develop projects
that aim to improve the quality of life in the Whittington neighbourhood. The
Whittington Time Exchange is one of these projects, developed in partnership
with the School.
What activities are Time Bank members involved in?
The Whittington Time Exchange was initially developed with funds provided by
the Bridge House Estates Trust Fund and IT resources awarded by BT Community
Connections. The second stage of the Time Exchange has been developed with funds
provided by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) Time Banks in Islington Project
and the Institute for Public Policy Research SchooLets/Time Banks in Schools
Project. Currently the Time Exchange works primarily with members of the School’s
community such as parents, careers and the school staff.
A record is kept by the Time Broker of the hours exchanged by each member and each hour equals one credit. Members use the credits accumulated by supporting and helping each other and can also put them into a common fund through which credits can be given to members for whom it is difficult to earn them, or offered as match funding for other projects.
Time Exchange members now have a drop-in facility made possible because of space provided by the School, with funds for equipment, building repairs and decoration from the Islington NRF Time Banks Network Project; and contributions in time made by Time Exchange members.The Centre was decorated by one of our most active members, who is a parent at the school, and who uses her credits on exchanges such as IT tuition and help with web design.
The Cafe and Resource Centre offers time exchangers a friendly environment where they can meet, chat, and have a snack. They can take part in workshops and events, become involved in projects to improve the quality of life in the area, and obtain written and virtual information on issues that interest them. There are computers with internet access available to members.
Time exchanges that take place regularly within our Exchange include one member
who uses her time helping children with their reading or English literacy skills.
She uses the credits earned to attend Tai-chi sessions run by another member.
Another member picks up a child from school every week. Another member shares
her decoration skills, recently used to brighten the new 'Buddy Bench', and
used her credits to get advice from another member offering dance and performance
skills. Credits have also been earned preparing tasty snacks for events and
one member even shared her IT skills by running workshops for others.
Participants in the basic skills workshops being run as part of a project developed
by the Whittington Agenda 21 Group with funds from Fast Forward Grants, have
now become members of the Time Exchange. They find our friendly space within
the school ideal for meeting up for a coffee and to practise their English conversation!.
A group of young people took part in drama workshops, with funds obtained by
the Group from Awards for All, to explore the possibility of creating a Youth
branch of the Time Exchange. Some of the participants are now involved in the
Buddy Bench project. The 'Buddy Bench' and 'Story Telling' initiatives were
launched in June 2003, and operate as the children's branch of our Exchange.
A team of Years 5 and 6 children selected by their peers School Council became
playground buddies or lunch time Story Tellers, giving time to befriend and
support children who choose to sit on a specially decorated bench during playtime,
showing that they need a Buddy's attention because they are unhappy as a result
of a playground incident or loneliness. At the end of term the buddies are rewarded
with a special outing.
Future Plans
Future plans for the Whittington Time Exchange include the promotion of further
involvement by members of the school community, and the expansion of the network
to include members of the diverse communities that live and work in the Whittington
and Archway area. Links with time banks in Islington, other school time banks
around the country and with the London Time Bank and Time Banks UK networks
will also be further developed.
How can I become involved in the Time Bank?
If you would like more information about Whittington Time Exchange or to enquire
about becoming involved, E-mail: whittington21@gn.apc.org
or go to Contact Details.
Caxton House Community Time Bank
Broker: Louise Pratt
Telephone: 020 7263 3151
Fax: 020 7561 9594
E-mail: timebank@caxtonhouse.org
Hilldrop and Caledonian Road Time Bank
Hilldrop Community Centre
Community Lane
Hilldrop Road
Brokers: Kirsty Burns and Ann Mbachu
Telephone: 020 7607 9453
E-mail: kirsty@islington-foe.freeserve.co.uk
E-mail: annmbachu@isonline.org
Mildmay Time Bank
The Factory Community Centre
107 Matthias Road
N16 8NP
Broker: Peter Roberts
Telephone: 020 7249 5373
Fax: 020 7254 1320
E-mail:mildmaytimebank@btconnect.com
Whittington Time Exchange
Hargrave Park School
Hargrave Park
N19 5EZ
Broker: Jonies Henry
Project Coordinator: Beatriz Echeverri
Telephone: 020 7281 5940
E-mail: whittington21@gn.apc.org
The Islington Time Banks Network
(office located at the Mildmay Time Bank)
Mildmay Time Bank
The Factory Community Centre
107 Matthias Road
N16 8NP
The Network Development Officer (NDO):
Email: islingtonconnector@btconnect.com or islingtonbadmin@btconnect.com
Why Web site accessibity is an important issue?
In the UK there are two million people with sight problems and many others who
experience difficulties with their mobility or hearing. Good Web site design
takes account of the requirements these people might have when using the Internet.
Government legislation will force organizations providing public information
to follow good web design practice. However it also makes good sense to do so,
as making the information on a Web site available to as many people as possible
will increase the numbers of potential visitors a site can receive. In addition
to this, sites should be designed so that both disabled and non disabled users
can easily navigate through and understand its content.
Alternate text for images
To check informational images such as photographs for alternative descriptive
text, place the mouse cursor over the image. A yellow box will appear containing
a brief, description of the image. For example moving your cursor over the upper
left hand corner would reveal the text 'Islington Time Banks Network Logo'.
Users whose browsers don't support images, will see (or hear) this text in place
of the image.
Changing Text Size
Users with sight problems can alter the size of the text that they view on each
Web page, using each major browser, as follows:
Internet Explorer: View > Text size
Netscape: Edit > Preferences > Appearance > Fonts
Opera: File > Preferences > Fonts > Minimum font size (pixels)
Alternatively, scroll with the wheel of your mouse whilst holding down the control
key.
Web Site navigation using a Keyboard
Keyboard and voice only users, who do not use a mouse, can navigate this Web
site using just tab, shift-tab and return.
Site Map
A Site Map has been included within this Web site to comply with accessibility
requirements, ensuring that users do not get lost.
Colour Contrast
Good readability has been maintained, by ensuring contrast between colours used
in this Web site. This can be confirmed by printing pages on a black and white
printer.
Online Forms
Users can download forms in a Microsoft Word format and email them, as an alternative
to completing online forms.
Contacting the Network regarding accessibility issues
This Web site has been designed to comply with accessibility requirements. This
includes the option to resize the text displayed on your screen. However the
Internet is an ever evolving form of communication, so please contact the email
address listed below if you can suggest ways in which you think that the usability
of this Web site can be improved further. To send comments or suggestions about
the accessibility of this Web site, please send an Email to: islingtonconnector@btconnect.com
or islingtonbadmin@btconnect.com.
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The Network
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Current News
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Time Banks
Caxton House Time Bank
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Hilldrop and Caledonian Road Time Bank
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Mildmay Time Bank
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Whittington Time Exchange
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Contact Details
The Islington Time Bank Network
Hilldrop and Caledonian Road Time Bank
Caxton House Time Bank
Mildmay Time Bank
Whittington Time Exchange
Accessibility
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