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11 March, 2010
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Published: 04 September, 2008
LOCHABER residents are being encouraged to turn spare time into shared time as part of a new volunteering initiative.
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Time banking is a new way for people to come together and share their talents in a mutually beneficial way. Time bank members help others, receive support themselves, meet new people and help their communities become better places to live. Time banking is based on the principle that for every hour a person contributes they receive the equivalent in time credits – one hour equals one time credit. Members can exchange their time credits when they need something done. They might want to get a gate fixed, or get someone to collect their doctor's prescription. They can also choose to donate time credits to someone else or to a community. Every time bank has a time broker who keeps a record of everyone's contributions. The time broker manages the practicalities such as putting people in touch with each other, obtaining references, or organising insurance. Rachel Tonks, development officer at the Volunteer Centre Lochaber, said: "Anyone can join a time bank. Time banks value people equally irrespective of age, gender or culture. "They are therefore accessible to all and fully inclusive. Time banks are free to join and taking part does not affect the volunteers' tax position or their entitlement to state benefits."
The Volunteer Centre Lochaber launched a local time bank – the first in the Highlands – last Thursday at the Salvation Army hall in Fort William. In attendance were many local organisations including Job Centre Plus, Careers Scotland and Voluntary Action Lochaber. Tam Cassidy, of Time Bank Scotland, was on hand to offer advice and support. MP Charles Kennedy was unable to attend the launch but spent some time earlier in the week at the Volunteer Centre in An Drochaid finding out about the time bank with development officers Rachel Tonks and Donna MacMillan. Mr Kennedy said: "I am delighted to welcome the launch of and declare my support for Lochaber Time Bank and to have become its first volunteer member." If you would like to register for the time bank, contact the Volunteer Centre Lochaber on 01397 704633, or email lochaber@volunteeringhighland.org 
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