Community Matters: Timebank initiative good for communities

Welcome to the Torbay Timebank, which works by members offering their time to others and every hour given earns them one-time credit. 

You often don't need to do more than you are already doing; attending groups and being friendly to old and new members. For example, if you spend 12 hours a month at a coffee morning, a craft group or any other type of group you will earn 12 credits which we can record on 'Devon Connect'. I can do this for you if you are not confident to do it yourself. You can then look at some of the offers on the website and spend your credits; you may find something you are interested in. 

I am regularly at venues throughout the week. I can always talk about the Timebank at any of these locations or visit you at a different one. I'm still looking for a regular spot in Torquay, so let me know if you have any ideas.

The seated yoga in Preston is running on Mondays and Thursdays at the Conservative Club in Preston at 11 am. You don't need to book, just turn up. I can't attend both, but can usually be found at the Thursday session. Don't forget there is also the popular afternoon disco at 2pm on the first Thursday of the month. 

The Crafty Fox in Foxhole has undergone some changes recently, so I'm usually there on the last Friday of the month from 10 am; they have Bingo at 11am on that day, it's £3 with tea and cake and good fun. The October one won't be running as they are having a bingo session to raise funds for Children in Need on 15th November. On the 23rd, they have a Christmas market at the library, and on the 24th, they have the Christmas extravaganza.

In Paignton, Mike and Leslie from Hyperspace have opened another venue just round the corner on Torbay Road. It's called STEAM and has a bigger food menu, look out for it. I'll be there on the first Tuesday of the month. 

I'm still at CentrePeace in Paignton on the first Friday of the month from 2pm, although I usually go earlier to have a delicious, home-cooked lunch! They still need volunteers there who can also earn time credits.

And of course, I am at the Bright Bean in Preston, every Wednesday from 2pm. They also make delicious home-cooked food and a number of people go early for their lunch before joining my Timebank group.

I can be contacted by phone 07703715236 or email ruthtshoukas@torbaycdt.co.uk 

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