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16:1
For every €1 invested in Timebank Ireland, €16 is generated in Social Value
Building Community in Modern Society
Modern society has resulted in people living in local communities with less social connection and neighbourly support. Differences in income, education and opportunities lead to greater social inequality, often in the same localities. This type of inequality persists among the groups that have the highest rates of poverty and unemployment.
While many have both skills and time to offer, they are not in a position to engage with the traditional money economy. Likewise, many individuals reliant on narrow career paths for income, have other diverse skills and talents they might offer the community in informal ways but do not have avenues for sharing.
What is Timebank Ireland (TBI)?
TBI is a group of people who help and support each other by sharing services, skills, talents, and knowledge. With a vision of an interconnected community where meaningful relationships strengthen resilience, solidarity, and prosperity.
Members provide services voluntarily enabling them to give and receive "time" and no money is exchanged. Through this exchange, TBI appreciates the value of every member and recognises all have needs as well as gifts to share.
It supports basic needs to be met that mitigates deprivation and stress resulting in a better quality of life and stronger connections among citizens. All services are recognised and respected, and every person's time is equally valued.
Activity & User Data (2022)
User Group
| Category | 01-11-2021 | 28-10-2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Enabled Users | 219 | 391 |
| Removed Users | 103 | 183 |
| Users in Cork | 204 | 374 |
| Users in Dublin | 5 | 6 |
| Users in Kerry | 1 | 1 |
| Users in Waterford | 1 | 1 |
| Users in Limerick | 0 | 1 |
| Users in Clare | 1 | 1 |
| Users in Sligo | 2 | 2 |
TBI Activity (Time Credits)
| Activity | Value |
|---|---|
| Gross Expenditure | 928 |
| Number of Outgoing Transfers | 238 |
| Gross Income | 1,941 |
| Number of Incoming Transfers | 559 |
| Number of Logins | 1,560 |
| Average Amount of Users | 270.85 |
| Total Hours Exchanged | 2,868 |
| Total Transactions | 797 |
TBI Groups (Attendees)
| Type | Example | No's |
|---|---|---|
| Workshop | Composting | 10 |
| Workshop | Mushroom Foraging | 9 |
| Workshop | Natural Beekeeping | 6 |
| Workshop | Crystals | 6 |
| Meitheal | Clearing/Planting | 8 |
| Meitheal | Clearing overgrowth | 7 |
| Meitheal | Removing grass | 7 |
| Meeting | Music meet up | 8 |
| Meeting | Social | 7 |
| Meeting | Members meet up | 6 |
Member Impact
Socially Connected
95% felt more socially connected
A Little More
Much More
No Difference
Well-Being
100% felt their well-being had improved
Improved a Little
Improved a Lot
Independence
90% felt an increased sense of independence
Increased a Lot
Improved a Little
No Difference
Case Studies
Case Study 1 - Monica
Monica found TBI through an outreach mental health team. Living alone in a rural area, she felt disconnected. TBI has had a positive mental health impact, offering a "safety net" and a sense of community. She loves that money isn't involved and marvels at the generosity of others. Monica has received help at home, in the garden, and with lifts. She has also participated in workshops and is now doing conversational English with Ukrainians.
Case Study 2 - John
John, who has significant health issues, got involved through a friend. He receives support with transport to hospital appointments, help in the garden, and tending to his animals. A Meitheal (group) painted his cottage and completed handyman jobs. John describes the support as "transformational and lifesaving," noting he wouldn't have asked for help before TBI but has been overwhelmed by people's kindness.
Case Study 3 - Brenda
Brenda joined in early 2022 to give back to the community. TBI helped her find a new community of like-minded people interested in nature and growing food. She has attended workshops on composting and crystals and received assistance with house cleaning. Brenda summed up the impact of TBI as "crucial for settling back into life in West Cork" after being away for 25 years.
Case Study 4 - Delores
Delores had an accident during Covid and felt very isolated. She got involved with TBI through a friend. She has received support with a home clean-up (which enabled her to get a council grant) and had plans drawn for her home. Delores loves the social interaction and the fact no money is involved. The whole experience helped improve her mental well-being and recovery, and she describes TBI as "life changing."
What Our Members Say
"Connection and community is vital... It means a lot to be able to reach out to TB members when I need their support."
"I have met so many amazing people through Timebanking. The feeling of connection and the knowledge that there are people... that actually do care."
"The musical events have made a huge difference to my sense of wellbeing and paved the way for new friendships."
"Feels good to be part of something bigger which is real and meaningful, it has improved my mental health..."
"I was anxious moving to a new area... the TB has helped me to make new friends and connections."
"Being able to help other people helped me to find a source of happiness and self-worth, and developed my confidence."
"Contact is really important for both giver and receiver... Giving is good for the soul and being in contact with new people is lovely. ... Being in the Timebank means I can still help people - we mutually assist each other. It also gives me a sense of security - like having money in the bank - because I know if I'm helping people, I will also be able to get help whenever I need it."
"I've been a member of Timebank for a while and it is a fantastic organisation. I've got a lot of help from it like meeting new people and help with my gardening as I'm a disabled man who lives alone... I think belonging to Timebank has helped change my life... I recommend anyone should join Timebank and offer a service."
Potential Exchanges
- Shopping
- Fence Post Digging
- Fermenting
- Woodwork
- Lifts
- Knitting/Sewing
- Foraging
- Astrology
- Zoom Assistance
- Website Assistance
- Dousing
- Homeopathy
- Tennis Lessons
- Social Media Help
- Pen Pals
- Art Tips
- Compost Advice
- C.V. Help
- Cookery
- Music
- Flatpack Assembly
- Tiling
- Moving House
- House Sitting
- Minding Animals
- Career Coaching
- Languages
- Decluttering
- DIY
- Window Cleaning
- Personal Training
- Painting
- Coding
- Massage
- Gardening/Weeding
- Maths
- Prayer Ministry
- Walks
- Dog Training
- Letter Writing
- Chats
- Child Minding
- Nature Walks
- Mediation
- Science
- Proof Reading
- Yoga
- Mosaic
- Interior Design
Value & Impact
Social Return on Investment (SROI)
TBI generated a social value of 1:16 over the one-year period. This is based on a Total Present Value of €803,184 created against an input of €50,000.
Outcomes for TBI Members:
| Outcome | Proxy | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Increased socialisation | Member of a social group | €326,040 |
| Improved health & wellbeing | Community counselling | €57,000 |
| Greater independence | Equivalent value of hours | €57,600 |
| More included | Value of feeling part of community | €413,535 |
Our Ultimate Impact
"To enhance people's lives by nonmonetary sharing of time and talents to address individual needs, improve life standards, and in partnership address joint community issues throughout regional localities. with a long-term aim to scale initiatives throughout Ireland."
Our Core Strategy (Logic Frame)
1. Sustainable Funding
Ensuring A Resilient Operation
Activities
- Proposals for Grants/Donations
- Managing Charity Shop Sales
Outputs
- Awards of Funds for Initiatives
- Funds to Cover Hub Expenses
- Recycling of Used Goods
Outcomes
Ongoing Revenues to Pay Overhead Costs, Expand Outreach Efforts and Maintain Operating Surplus.
2. Community Engagement
Strengthening Member & Partner Interactions
Activities
- Brokering Exchanges (Hub & Online)
- Sponsoring Education & Training
- Promoting Community Chest
Outputs
- Practical/Social Interactions
- Community Volunteers Rewarded
- Expanding Partnerships
Outcomes
Growing and Active Timebank Engagement by Individuals and Community Groups.
3. Communication & Networking
Building National Image and Support
Activities
- Website Moderation
- Government & News Media Relations
- Social Media Posts
Outputs
- Ongoing Listing of Offers/Requests
- TD & Councillor Support
- Press Mentions & Interviews
Outcomes
Greater Public Understanding and Involvement in Timebanking. Improved National Image.