Volunteer plea for Blair Time Bank
Service really makes a difference to people’s lives
The Blairgowrie and Rattray Time Bank recently celebrated its second anniversary, marking the occasion with a reminder that new members are always welcome.
The time bank was set up two years ago and works by volunteers swapping skills and services to help make the lives of others in their community more comfortable.
For every hour a volunteer spends doing something they earn one credit, which they can then claim back through the time bank on a service they need, or donate the credit to a ‘community pot’ so that someone who can’t earn their own credits can still use project.
Ivy Maclachlan has been involved with the time bank as a broker since it started.
She explained: “You can walk a dog, pick up shopping, give a lift, help fill in a form, show how to work a mobile, just have a coffee and a chat, help around the house, do some weeding, feed some chickens - the list is endless.
“Whatever you need, and whatever you can offer to do is valued and valuable.
“We are always interested in hearing from people who want to use the services or offer some time in exchange for other services just people who are willing to help others and play a part in the community, that’s the important thing.”
Rattray-based volunteer Paddy Garthwaite said: “I do all sorts of things. I drive people to appointments or pick things up, I cut hedges, and provide a trailer to use if people need one, as well as companionship and support.
“And in return, people have gardened and baked for me.”
In addition to individuals, the Strathmore Centre for Youth Development (SCYD), Blairgowrie and Rattray Illuminations Committee, the Freedom Coach Association and Alyth Lunch Club are just some of the local organisations involved.
And in some cases, new groups have started up as a direct result of a time bank initiative.
Joanne Rice, the other broker for the Blairgowrie time bank, decided to set up a craft group which meets on the third Thursday of every month at the Wellmeadow Cafe from 2-3.30pm.
People bring along their own craft projects and have a chat with other like- minded souls.
In Alyth, a group is getting together in Burnside Court every other Monday from 10.30-11.30am for a chat and a reminisce.
Ivy said: “It really does make a difference to people’s lives but we rely on people coming forward to offer or request help.
“It’s a great way to build relationships, create new friendships, make communities stronger and to help people and encourage volunteering.”
The Blairgowrie and Rattray Time Bank meets at Wellmeadow House on Gas Brae on the second Friday of every month from 10am-11.30am. It also meets on the last Friday of every month at the same time at Rattray Community Connect.
The Alyth Time Bank meets every Thursday from 2-4pm in the AYP Hub on Airlie Street.
• Contact Christine Grace on Christine. Grace@pkavs.org.uk or 01738 452212.