Time Swap is an initiative which aims to bring local people together, using their knowledge, skills and most importantly, time, to support each other. After the scheme came to an end a few years ago, it has been relaunched.
From walking someone's dog to learning a language - the possibilities are endless. What is unique about Time Swap is that every member's time is equal: for every hour you give to help someone else, you receive an hour to spend.
Time Swap is flexible as you only offer or accept swaps you want to do, when you want to do them. Then, as you earn your hours you can spend, save, or donate them to the community pot for people in need to use.
Time Swap isn’t just for individuals - groups and organisations can 'Give Time to Get Time' too!
For example; a company could help with some litter picking or gardening, or even allow a meeting room to be used by Time Swap members.
The company could then use their time credits to ask members to help them by painting a fence for example. The company could save the credits up or even donate them to the 'Community Pot' to continue helping their local community.
Time Swap is a great opportunity to get involved with local people, strengthen ties to the community, and build team morale. Time Swap is also a fantastic chance for organisations to promote themselves and widen their networks.
Stuart Martin is the development officer for Time Swap in Erewash and is helping to co-ordinate the opportunity to bring the community together, and support each other through just an hour of time.
If you would like to sign up or or learn more, just get in touch. Call 01283 219761 and ask to speak to 'Time Swap', e-mail stuartm @ sdcvs.org.uk or visit www.derbyshiretimeswap.org.uk.