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Hello from Timebank South West |
Hello reader and welcome to the October Issue of the Timebank Newsletter.
We have news on Exchanges, the positive impact of Volunteering, Members Moments, Plymstock area focus as well as dates for your diary and useful information.
Not enough? Want something different? Get in touch and let us know what you want to read about or tell us about something you would like to share. |
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Timebank is asking for an exchange! |
That’s right, you read correctly. Timebank South West needs YOUR HELP. We have recently said goodbye to our Admin worker, Cherise, who has moved on to a full time position. This means that we could use a little support ‘back of house’. When it comes to social media and promoting ourselves there just aren’t enough hours in the day. So, if are you snap-happy and enjoy taking photos we would really appreciate a ‘members view’ of our weekly socials. Simply take a couple of action shots or even a video clip of what’s going on (with the member’s consent of course!), pop them into your newsfeed if you have Facebook and tag your outreach worker and @timebanksouthwest. If you don’t use social media, you can email/text/WhatsApp your photos to your outreach worker and they will do the rest! #shareskills #earnhours |
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This would really help raise our profile and get more people involved in Timebanking |
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Volunteer Coordinator Update |
Our two new projects - Time To Shine and Skills Uncovered are providing opportunities for Timebank members to use their skills to support others in discovering the joys of Timebanking. Zoe has been contacting members and visiting groups to talk about the Buddy Role and how it could be a great chance to ‘give back’. So far we have 7 members who are keen to get involved and training will commence soon. If you think you would like to use your knowledge and experience in Timebanking to support a potential new member please get in touch - email zoe@timebanksw.org she will be pleased to hear from you and happy to answer any questions you may have. |
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Volunteer your way back into work |
| Timebanking is about reducing isolation, bringing people together, sharing skills, improving well being and increasing confidence.
Timebank South West strive to achieve these goals with our members, but with one, we ticked all the boxes and more!
LEFT: Nikki Street - Outreach Worker |
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Nikki Street I first joined timebank in 2015 in Barne Barton when I was still working full time. Since then, she has had life threatening health issues which left her an isolated single mum but little did she know that 9 years later she would be working with us and inspiring our members to use their skills to their full ability. In 2022 Nikki came to the realisation that she was ready to get back into employment but she wanted to be sure that it was something that suited her abilities both physically and mentally, so what did she do? She came to us! Volunteering at one of our socials, Nikki was able to get a feel for the work we do, the people we work with and the demand of the job. Thankfully, she liked what she experienced and was good too. It wasn’t long before a paid position arose, and along with a number of other applicants, Nikki went for it. The rest, as they say, is history. Nikki landed the job and took over our Timebank group in Barne Barton and in more recent months has been a key player in getting our newest Timebank group in Plymstock started and now runs Devonport Group too! Nikki has made her mark and proven to be areal asset to the Timebank South West team. Nikki gives 100% as an outreach worker and is also a very active Timebank member. She is always willing to travel across the city providing one to one support for anyone wanting a little help with many different things, one of which is providing crochet skill shares – be it stitches, patterns or freestyle! |
“Having had life-changing health issues over the past 8 years no one prepares you for the mental health side of trauma. Being able to volunteer with Timebank gave me back the confidence I lost and brought me out of isolation again. If my personal experience can help me to help others then the last 8 years will have been for something. I am back doing a job that fills me with joy” Nikki Street |
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We know not everyone wants to use their skills to get back into work, some may simply want to help out and use their hard earned expertise to support Timebank. If that is the case, please let us know. We would really love to be able to offer our members the chance to use their skills and be a part of the Timebank Team. We currently have a few opportunities: Could you be a Timebank Trustee?, Update our website on a monthly basis? or help log exchange requests at group?. Get in touch if you would like more information about any of these Volunteer Opportunities to #shareyourskills . |
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Member’s Moment … |
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Christmas is fast approaching and with it, all the joys of present picking, decoration dilemmas, festive frolics and more! We have asked our members to share any top tips, family traditions or fond memories they have. So take a look below and get in touch if you can share any more. |
| Margaret from St Pauls Court told Zoe recently that she loved attending Midnight Mass up until she was married. She would go to St Michaels in Devonport each Christmas and was especially taken with the candles. Margaret also enjoys making Log Cakes, up until recently she has completed the whole process by herself and made many cakes for family and friends. She still makes them, only with a little support from a friend who does the mixing. Tasty! |
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Christmas traditions can vary across the world and so we asked Chiharu what Christmas was like in Japan. She said “We have roast chicken as Turkey is not very common in Japan, and we eat Christmas Dinner on Christmas Eve. We sing Silent Night and share gifts, but there are no crackers at the dinner table, that’s definitely a Western Tradition!”. Although we eat together on Christmas eve, the real time to get together and celebrate with family is New Year, and although a lot of our traditions come from China, we celebrate New Year on 1st January too”. |
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Area Focus: |
This month we are talking about Plymstock |
Plymstock Timebank launched in April 2023 and has grown into a lovely group of 12 members, 10 of which are regulars at the social sessions held in the Plymstock Community Centre on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month. Each ‘social’ begins with a catch up and members share any news they have over a nice brew. Activities vary, we have had music quizzes created by one of our members Nick, and Julia has made name tags for everyone to help with those whose memory isn’t as good as it used to be and for any new comers that may drop in. We have enjoyed games where random questions are given to the group sparking great memories which they enjoy sharing. The group also had a visit from the Falls Prevention Team, guiding them on how to take care at home and how to avoid trips and falls and also some light exercise. They found this really interesting and informative. Looking forward the group would like to do a number of things like; visiting the costumes department at the theatre, see a show, have a first aid at home session and also try a few small crafts. |
| Plymstock Timebank members have been amazing at helping each other out with exchanges, from garden help, and sharing plant seedlings, to using technology these guys are always quick to help each other out giving great community spirit. Suzie likes to share with the group which songs she got to sing at the group she attends at Moments cafe in town, each week they theme their sessions and its been known for the whole table to have a mini sing song when she mentions the songs. All of the members stand out in very different ways some mentioned above. Its an absolute pleasure to host this area group sessions. |
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Above: Music quiz ready, Sue winning a pen in the quiz and the name badges made for the group by Julia.
Do you have an exchange request or want to know more about Plymstock Timebank? Email: Nikki@timebanksw.org or call the office on: 01752 875930 |
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Dates, Information and Resources |
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The next Repair Cafe will be happening Wednesday 29th November. If you'd like to get involved as a fixer, mender or helper please get in touch. We'd love to see you if you've something that needs fixing too - whether it's a broken vacuum cleaner, alarm clock or coat with a hole the amazing fixing crew will have a look at it for you. There's lots of chat about repair cafes happening across Plymouth too which is very exciting. Hopefully a new one will be opening in Plympton in 2024 and there's interest in maybe starting ones in Southway, Ernesettle, St Budeaux and North Prospect too. We'll keep you updated! |
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| From our regular drop-ins at St Aubyn's Church in Devonport and Four Greens Wellbeing Hub we are in so many places this month! Come and see us! We'd LOVE to see you! |
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Thursday 16th Nov * Thursday 16th Nov * Thursday 23rd Nov * Friday 24th Nov * Every Weds in November * Every Friday in Nov |
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10 - 1 pm. Drop-In, Wellbeing Hub, Rees Centre, Plympton. PL7 2PS
1:30 - 4pm. Drop - In at Community Larder. Wellbeing Centre, Four Greens. PL5 4DD
10:30 - 1pm. Drop - In. Wellbeing Hub, Four Greens. PL5 4DD
1:30-4pm. Drop -In. Wellbeing Hub, Four Greens. PL5 4DD
8:45 - 10:30 am. Devonport Food Hub Drop - In. St Aubyns Church. PL1 4GJ
10 am - 12:30 pm. Improving Lives. Ernest English House. Buckwell St. PL1 2DA |
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|  | The 'Age Positive' project aims to support older adults to stay active and social. We provide advice and support for staying happy and healthy into older adulthood. Our monthly newsletter gives up to date information on a number of activities across the city. |
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Warm, welcoming spaces open over winter |
| This winter, venues across Plymouth are opening their doors to provide a warm welcome as part of the city’s cost of living support for residents. More than 20 Welcoming Spaces, which include churches, libraries and community centres, have already committed to opening during the colder months. |
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They all offer somewhere comfortable to sit down in a warm environment and lots offer extras, such as free activities, advice, WiFi or refreshments. You’ll be able to stay warm, meet other people in your community and find more support to help you if you’re struggling with the cost of living. Click here to view the Welcoming Spaces Map. |
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| Come join the KGP Men's Shed
Open for everyone- Men and Women!
Mondays 9:30- 14:30
Come chat, make friends and share experiences and skills with a wide variety of projects, such as gardening, woodworking or just sharing a cup of tea and a chat.
Come and drop in or for more information:
Call 01752 569340 or info@cropskgp.org.uk |
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