Sharing, mending and befriending.
In July 2023 Timebank welcomed a new member, Roz. After a little encouragement from her daughter she made contact with Improving Lives Plymouth and Timebank South West to find out what they had to offer and how she could potentially get involved.
“I saw an article about Timebank in my local free paper and had also been informed of it by a friend’s daughter.
I felt I was wasting what free time and skills I had and needed to find something else.
My family kept on at me as well so I phoned Timebank and Eldertree for information”
After a conversation on the telephone with Outreach Worker Zoe, it was arranged for Roz to come along to the Timebank group that meet in Efford on a Monday morning. This way she could meet some members, find out a little more about what Timebank members do and hopefully join up.
“I visited Timebank in Efford first. I don’t widely socialise and so I was unsure whether I would fit in but it was very welcoming.
Zoe helped too, by finding someone straight away to help with a sewing machine – so I had to get going!”
Her working life was that of a teacher with textiles being her main focus. Her knowledge and experience in this area came into demand immediately with a request coming in from a member in Plympton for help with her machine and an alteration.
Roz was able to get her machine set up correctly and then guide Pauline through the process of making the necessary alterations to her curtains herself, giving her the confidence to take on her next sewing project independently.
In her next visit to group Roz met Amanda and was soon organising another skill exchange involving a sewing machine and confidence in using it.
With her work and other interests Roz initially thought she would not be able to attend many group sessions but was keen to be kept in the loop where exchanges within her skill-set were concerned.
She even donated some lovely holly at Christmas for our Wreath making session.
When Timebank’s new projects Time To Shine and Skills Uncovered were launched Volunteer Coordinator Zoe thought of her immediately.
“Roz is someone who stood out as a perfect candidate to become a Volunteer Buddy with Timebank South West. Her skill set, eagerness to help others and positive outlook was a winning combination. It was clear that she had all the qualities that would make a great Buddy, as someone who has felt a little disconnected at times she would know how best to help others and make them feel welcome and valued.
I was so pleased when she said she would like to take on the role. A little ‘lived experience’ goes a long way.” Zoe Nile
Going on to train as a Volunteer Buddy, attend a drop-in at Compton Methodist Church coffee morning Roz has been great in promoting Timebank and has even signed up a new member!
Mel was a little nervous about attending a group and so Roz gave her a call, picked her up and got her to the Efford group on a Monday and the rest, as they say, is history. Mel fitted right in and had us in fits of laughter in no time. She also had a hole in her coat pocket sewn up while we chatt
ed! A perfect way to start her Timebanking journey.
I honestly didn’t intend to be more involved beyond dropping in socially now and again, so to be a Volunteer Buddy was a step I hadn’t planned. I have helped out at a drop-in and supported Mel in coming along to her first group. It was a pleasant experience and easier than I expected.
Timebank – and Zoe- has opened my eyes to what I can still do at this stage in my life and given me confidence to move out of what was probably my rather small comfort zone. Thank you”