Sutton Shares is a time bank, launched recently by Volunteer Centre Sutton, for anyone living or working in the London Borough of Sutton.
The essence of a Time Bank is members exchanging their time and skills to help others, building community in the process. For every hour someone gives, they receive one time credit that can be spent on something they want or need.
For example, as a Sutton Shares member you could offer to help someone with their gardening, teach someone how to make chutney or organise a pot luck party! On the other hand, you might want to request help with improving your computing skills, for someone to put up a shelf in your lounge, or for somebody to walk your dog while you’re away for the weekend. Precisely what is offered and requested is down to the members we have. So we need you to help grow our timebank!
As a member, you’ll have opportunities to:
· Meet people and build new friendships, by exchanging or coming along to one of our monthly social events
· Increase your health and wellbeing by doing something active (e.g. Zumba, walking, cycling) or increasing your repertoire of healthy meals
· Discover someone who enjoys doing the chores you hate (ironing, DIY, accounts…) or who can teach you a skill you’ve always wanted to learn (Spanish, didgeridoo, photography…)
· Add value to people by exchanging with those who may not feel that they have much to offer
· Surprise a neighbour or work colleague by spending your time credits on them
It’s really easy (and completely free) to join: just visit www.suttonshares.org.uk and fill in a few details. We’ll then contact you to obtain a couple of references and book you onto membership training: essentially steps for ensuring our timebank is safe for everybody. After these are complete you’ll be able to start exchanging!
Alternatively, or to find out more, please feel free to ring Matt Little (the Sutton Shares Coordinator) on 020 8661 5926 or email [email protected]