Popular Community Scheme Swaps 10,000th Hour
A popular Derbyshire County Council scheme is celebrating after reaching a mega milestone – 10,000 hours of swaps.
The council’s Time Swap scheme encourages people to swap their time and talents, enabling them to help each other in their communities.
Time Swap members earn ‘time credits’ for every hour they help others. This hour can then be used to get help for themselves.
Credits earned can be used to get help and support with almost anything – from DIY to dog-walking, learning a new language or instrument, or even just swapping some time for a cup of tea and a chat.
The scheme’s milestone 10,000th swap took place in South Normanton, with Time Swap members Christine Eley, Gail Branston and Mick Brentnall.
After some health issues meant that Mick couldn’t get out and about as well as he once did, he decided to join the scheme in 2017.
The Time Swap team soon found out that Mick had a passion for dominoes, had won many trophies over the years and was desperately missing playing.
Members Christine and Gail started visiting Mick at home. They all immediately hit it off and have been enjoying regular domino sessions and competitions ever since.
Mick earns time by hosting the domino club and Christine and Gail earn their time by going along for games as well as helping Mick with bits and pieces around the house and garden.
Mick said the scheme has been incredible for him and he’s made friends that he never would have normally met.
He added: “The help, support and companionship you get from Time Swap is incredible – I’ve made wonderful friends in my community and get so much out of it.”
Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said: “I’ve heard so many stories from people that have benefited from the brilliant Time Swap scheme – it’s clear to see how valuable it is to the community.
“Not only does it bring people from all over the county together, it also saves people so much money, time and hassle too.
“I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t heard of the scheme yet to find out how you can get involved, sign up and check out what’s on offer.”
And it’s not just local people who are realising the benefits of Time Swap. The scheme has just picked up a national Timebanking UK Quality Mark – awarded to time banking schemes that follow the core values of supporting, celebrating and developing good community links.
The award demonstrates the hard work and commitment that the council’s Time Swap team and all the volunteers have put into the scheme since it began.
Time Swap is a county-wide project that has been running since 2015. The county council is always looking for new people to join – residents can find lots more information and hear from some of our members at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/timeswap
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