Timebank Small Grants Programme now open

Lauren Harrison and Scott Cooper, Volunteer Now, help launch a Small Grants Programme which offers support to organisaitons and communities across Northern Ireland to develop Timebanks in their local area.

Timebanks are a way for people to come together to help others and help themselves at the same time by sharing their skills in the community. Participants ‘deposit’ their time by giving practical help and support to others and are able to make a ‘withdrawl’ when they need help or support themselves.

Funding is being made available through the initiative which primarily supports and involves older people to take the lead in making a positive and lasting change in their community. Volunteer Now is offering grants of up to £3,000 to explore ways of supporting people and groups to share their skills and be rewarded in time.

Wendy Osborne OBE, CEO Volunteer Now says, “Timebanking is recognised as an effective way of re-establishing neighbourliness and informal volunteering and has been particularly successful in engaging hard to reach groups.”

“These grants offer an excellent opportunity for local people to develop a sustainable Timebank movement in their area that supports the participation of older people”

Information sessions will be held across Northern Ireland to support individuals and groups that are interested in applying for a grant to support the development of a Timebank. Dates and venues will be confirmed at www.volunteernow.co.uk

For Small Grants guidance notes and application forms go to: