Community Matters: The Torbay time bank

The Timebank is a wonderful way to meet new people, make new friends, and at the same time earn time credits.

For every hour you give, you earn a time credit, which you can then save up to spend when you need something yourself. No money changes hands, but if you incur costs when giving time, these should be paid for. You can offer a variety of things that you enjoy doing.

We have Timebankers who visit people at home or just telephone those who can’t get out. This can be mutually satisfying; you may be greeted with a warm smile and make a big difference to someone’s life. 

We have a social afternoon at the coffee lounge in Preston every week - here is a group enjoying their coffee and delicious homemade cake. It’s open to everyone, so do come and join this friendly group.        

I go to Centrepeace in Paignton at least once a month. While there, I can give you more information or help you join the Timebank if you want to. Centrepeace is an incredible community space and includes a charity shop plus a vegetarian café run by volunteers. They always need more volunteers! At the moment, they are looking for someone who drives to collect donations from Aldi and deliver them to Centrepeace every morning.

We have a BIG EXCHANGE coming up soon, a clothes swap at People’s Parkfield (Parkfield House) on Saturday, the 8th November from 10.00 till 2.00.  Parkfield is on the corner opposite Paignton Seafront at the Redcliff end. You can bring any unwanted clothes and also any other goods you no longer want. Only bring things you can carry and no electrical items. Then you can take away anything you like. It is not a direct swap, and no money changes hands. We look forward to seeing you there.

The afternoon disco people, usually at the conservative club in Preston, are having a special Christmas event on the 18th December. This time it will be at the Torbay Court Hotel in Steartfield Road, behind the Palace hotel on Paignton seafront.

They will have a Christmas dinner at 12.30, which will need to be booked, and a £10 deposit paid. The cost is £22 for three courses. This will be followed by the disco from 2pm at an additional cost of £3. All Timebank members are invited to either the dinner, the disco or both. Call 07561711934 to book the meal.

If you would like to find out more about the Timebank get in touch or come along and find me at one of my regular venues around the Bay.

• At the Bright Bean Café in Preston opposite Tesco, from 2pm every Week on Wednesday.
• At the coffee lounge in Preston every Thursday from 2.00pm
• At Centrepeace in Paignton on the first Friday of the month from 2.00 pm. 
• At The STEAM café in Torbay Road on the first and second Tuesday of the Month from 10.30 am.
• At the Baptist church in Preston on the first Thursday of the month from 10.00
• At Torquay library on the Third Tuesday of the month from 10.00 am
• At Paignton library on the first Monday of the month from 10.30 am. 

I will also be in Brixham every month. Get in touch for information.

Torbay Together is the online platform for the Timebank. {www.devonconnect.org/torbay) 

To find more, contact me by email: ruthtshoukas@torbaycdt.org.uk or by phone: 07703 715236

“We have what we need, when we share what we have”