Londoner Time Credits

A new model of volunteering

Many people’s stereotypical volunteer is white, middle-class, older and probably female. Because of this view they might feel that volunteering “is not for them” – or, they may well be active locally, but not recognise their contribution as “volunteering”.

But volunteering can engage and involve everyone: families, single people, young and old, thereby building stronger, more resilient, communities.

With a grant of £163,980, we are funding Spice Innovations to develop a new model of volunteering in four London boroughs, including the City of London.

The model is based on the “time bank” system of volunteering whereby participants “deposit” their time as volunteers supporting others. They can then “withdraw” their time when they need help with something themselves.  As well as giving something back to the community, volunteers gain new skills and opportunities to participate.

Spice Innovation’s model builds on this by engaging those who don’t traditionally volunteer by enabling them to swap time spent volunteering (Time In), for trips, events, entertainment or sports and leisure (Time Out).

This Londoner Time Credits programme will build local “alliances” of organisations from the public, voluntary and private sectors in order to share resources. Together they’ll develop a Londoner Time Currency.

Public and voluntary organisations will develop a menu of local volunteering opportunities – a Time In menu. This will include everything from running a local community café to being a member of the youth parliament.

For every hour that volunteers give, they will gain an hour of Time Out credit. The Time Out menu could include anything from a theatre or cinema trip, to free entry to the local swimming pool and leisure centre.

It’s a practical initiative which encourages active participation, and helps people who receive services to also start contributing to their communities.

Evidence, based on six years of Spice Innovation’s work, shows that this is an effective, low cost and sustainable method of increasing engagement and community participation.

One participant said: “I have been homeless for many years…I give my time to help look after our hostel garden, it gets me outside and I feel useful.”

And another added: “The Time Bank helped me get a part-time job as I could show my employer that I’ve done work in the community.”

Contact details

For more information contact: Tris Dyson at tris@justaddspice.org or visit the Spice website: www.justaddspice.org