Community Matters: New friends, new purpose through Torbay Timebank

The Torbay Timebank has been running for a number of years all over Torbay and is open to everyone.

Just as a reminder of how the Timebank works, for every hour offered, you earn one time credit, which you can ‘spend’ on something you may need yourself. It may be company, shopping help or even help with your mobile phone. Perhaps you can offer something that someone else needs. 

When I started working with Torbay Communities, I concentrated on the Preston area, but gradually got pulled into the rest of Torbay. I still regularly meet people who joined back then. Maggie reminded me of her first trips out with a Timebank member some years ago. She met Usha, who had joined and was offering to take people for days out. They went for drives most weeks, enjoying each other’s company and visiting different parts of Devon. It was and is mutually rewarding as Usha loves exploring, and Maggie likes to go out. They still go out most weeks, though no longer put credits on the Timebank! 

Maggie also met Joan at one of our regular catch-ups, and they started meeting up and going out together. They had a lot in common and went on a cruise together, visiting Graceland amongst other places. Maggie and Joan are still friends and are in regular contact. Maggie loves singing and sings at any karaoke events she can attend. When she needed help with her garden, she found it through the Timebank.

One of our more recent members, Jeremy, is newly retired and has time on his hands. He joined some of the local groups but wanted to do a little more, so he joined the Timebank. This is how he describes his Timebank journey in his own words:

MY TIMEBANK JOURNEY... So far                                                        

I retired way back in November ‘24 and having worked for 38 years in law, it was time to plan what I should do. Walking, cycling, gardening and Travelling, of course, was a clear desire. Seeing places and old friends, maybe singing in a choir was not to be, but meeting new people and friends was more like me: being part of a community, giving something back, helping those in need - yes, I was motivated to do good deeds.

I made my wishes known to Ruth and Nina and The Timebank was mentioned. I could not have been keener. A match was made with a lady in Preston Who needed someone to be a companion, so Ruth arranged for us to meet and we soon jelled.

Conversation flowed, smiles and laughing too. We’d each found a friend we could talk to and it’s also rewarding to give and bring a smile. That’s what makes Timebanking worthwhile.

I visited Carol today and these are the words she wants to say, “I agree with that, we have lots in common I enjoy your company and you have made a big difference in my life”.  

To find out more about the Timebank contact me, my details are below, or come to one of my regular venues where I can give you more information and help you join.

• At Paignton library on the first Monday in the Month 10.30 - 1.00 pm
• At Torquay library on the third Tuesday in the Month 10.00 - 12.30 pm
• At the Steam Café in Torbay Road, Paignton on the first Tuesday in the Month from 10.30
• At the Crafty Fox in Foxhole on the second Tuesday in the Month from 10.30
• At the Baptist Church in Preston on the First Thursday in the Month from 10.30
• At the Coffee Lounge in Preston every Thursday from 2.00 - 4.00 pm
• At Centerpeace in Paignton on the first Friday in the Month from 1.30
• At the Bright Bean café in Preston most Wednesdays from 2.00

My contact details are phone 07703715236 or email ruthtshoukas@torbaycdt.org.uk