As a group we feel that local people are the most important part of the community. We feel that by supporting people they will in turn directly or indirectly help support the environment in which they live. Both the Time Banks and Tools Library projects are about supporting community interaction but are also about people being more proactive in their community.

Wellington LA21 Group has opened a Time Bank for the Wellington area based upon the model now well established by Time Banks UK. Time Banks UK have already provided information and support and will continue to do so during the setting up and running of the Time Bank.

A Time Bank allows anyone who gives up time to do volunteering to receive a reciprocal amount of time in return for a service of his or her choice(similar to a LETS scheme but without the currency). For example, a member earns 1 hour credit into their Time Bank for doing an hour's gardening for someone, they can then cash in this credit to pay for an hour of someone else's time to perform a service that they then require, perhaps ironing. In this way a money free system of "helping hands" develops. Members are encouraged to identify and value all of their skills however big or small. Even housebound residents can be included and encouraged to use their many skills.

Time Banks have been recognised as helping members of the community who may suffer from loneliness, mild depression and low self esteem and can be valuable to any one of any age or background. Many of the Time Bank activities have linked physical and mental health benefits. Time Banks also help regain the social interaction within communities which is one of the group's fundamental objectives.

If you would like to join 'Trading Favours' please click  here.

'Trading Favours' is run by volunteers from Wellington LA 21 Group and other volunteers in the Wellington community.
Funding has been obtained from The Big Lottery Fund - Awards for All, Health Promotions(Telford & Wrekin Primary Care Trust) and the Neighbourhood Community Worker (Telford & Wrekin Council) towards the establishment of this project.

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