Coronavirus has meant a new way of working for the team behind the West Wight Timebank, but the project is continuing to be a success.
The community project provides a platform for local people to donate time and skills to help others and receive help in return, with a strong focus on the environment and climate action.
The Timebank launched a new growing box scheme in May. Members plant up repurposed crates, pallets or strong cardboard boxes with salad, herbs or strawberry plants.
These are delivered as gifts to other Timebank members, their families, friends and fellow community members. To date, 34 growing boxes have been made and delivered.
Some of the silk cards produced by artist Jane Perry
Less green-fingered members can contribute to the Timebank’s wellbeing boxes, which include homemade jam, soaps, silk cards made by artist Jane Perry, handmade coasters, a potted plant in a hand painted terracotta pot, a poem and a short story.
Jane said: “Creating the silk paintings for West Wight Timebank has kept me going through this pandemic. I have been shielding alone this whole time, and slipped into a very bad state of mind.
"Once I started creating something beautiful and committed to do it every week, I was able to make that my main focus.”
The organisation — made up of more than 100 members — is now in its fifth year. Members ‘bank’ time credits, with one hour of volunteered work earning one credit.
Skills such as baking, car washing, sewing or ironing can earn time credits, which can be spent by asking for the help needed, for example pet sitting or gardening.
West Wight Timebank founder, Sally Gaeta, said: “The Timebank exists to strengthen the West Wight community. It is all about building relationships, enabling individuals and organisations in the community to help one another.
"The box schemes have been made possible through grants from Reaching Community and WightAID, which has helped us purchase essential goods."
A book named Thumbnails, with stories in by the Red haired Rapunzel, is now on sale through the timebank.
To purchase a copy for £4, or find out more about the Timebank, call Sally on 07872304294 or email info@wwtb.org
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