How time banking works
in 5 simple steps…

These simple steps take you through how to get involved in time banking in your area, what you can offer and what you can get in return.

Everyone has something 
to offer their community

You may have a clear idea of the skills you can offer, others might be unsure how they can get involved. Our team of experienced time brokers will meet you to help uncover your skills. We believe everyone has something to offer.

It’s your time bank.
No money, just time!

The central point of contact for everyone is the time bank - when a member needs our help; it’s then our job to match up the right person. You just contact us and we will make the connection. Your safety is important which is why we meet everyone in person.

It’s a 2-way thing!

By giving your time, you’re also building up time! Every hour you give earns you one time credit to use how you choose. You can access the skills of your community for example get help with DIY, learn new skills; the list is endless!

Step 4

Benefits for both you
and your community

Beside the clear benefits of collecting and using time credits, donating your time has many other advantages. Being socially connected with your community, sharing your valuable skills and helping others are to name 
just a few.

Join up today!

Contact us and we’ll arrange to meet you to discuss your skills and suggest ways you can get involved, either one-to-one or as part of a group. We are a friendly bunch so feel free to call and introduce yourself.

Who can use Fair Shares?

Anyone can become a Fair Shares member and we have over 1500 members of different ages and backgrounds. All you need to get involved is to want to get involved!

It’s free to join and be a member whether you start out with something to offer or something you need help with. There is no pressure to commit lots of time; you can go at your own pace.

See member stories

Wayne

Shares his IT skills

Julius

Helping out at the lunch club
Young man and woman working outside

Jess & Chris

Cleaning up our base at Chequers

Rob

Entertaining us at the Christmas party

Yusuf

Great with DIY skills

Sarah

Taking part in the art group

Annas and Hamza

Helping to decorate the youth club

Joyce

Offers to pet sit when others go away on holiday

Kevin

Loves washing cars

Richard

Great with gardening and trimming hedges

Ellie

Learning how to paint

Gerald

Just loves getting involved and offering his muscle

Courtney and Aliyah

Helping in the cafe and learning how to bake

Roger

Working in the allotment

Faisal

Will have a go at anything!

Gary

Putting some tiles up in the kitchen

Esther

Painting a mural at the City Farm

Kevin

Learning how to do some carving

Lee

Helping out at the City Farm

Habib

Fixing a garden gate

What could I offer or ask for in return?

See some examples of how people are sharing their time


Admin and Office Work
  • Accounting
  • Administration
  • Data Entry / Typing
  • Facilitating Meetings
  • Reception work
Close up shot of some hands typing on a laptop.
Teaching or Learning
  • Cooking Lessons
  • Fitness advice
  • Language Lessons
  • Music Lessons
  • Sports coaching
Two ladies cooking in a kitchen
Social Activities
  • Going on Day trips
  • Befriending
  • Helping out with fun days
  • Coffee mornings
  • Catering for parties
  • Cooking
  • Day Trips
Computer skills
  • Advice with computers
  • Data entry
  • Deisigning leaflets and posters
  • Desktop publishing
  • Internet Research
  • Online Training
  • Repairing computers
  • Web Site Design
Man at a computer
DIY / Gardening
  • Painting
  • Wallpapering
  • Decorating
  • Lawn Mowing
  • Putting Up Some Shelves
  • Advice / Planning / Design
  • Remodelling
  • Hedge trimming
  • Landscaping
  • Weeding
Help in the Home
  • Cleaning
  • Doing small errands
  • Grocery Shopping
  • Hoovering or Dusting
  • Laundry / Ironing
  • Recycling
Pet Care
  • Pet Sitting
  • Dog Walking
  • Pet Grooming
  • Animal training or advice
Two ladies walking dogs
Transport
  • Driving and giving lifts
  • Deliveries
  • Errands / Shopping
  • Use of Vehicle

Our pledge to keep you safe

  • Our member’s safety when participating in our time banks is our first priority.
  • We’re all about getting to know every participant well, so we meet you in person. We also ask each member for two references – these do not have to be work references, just people who know you well.
  • Sometimes we will ask you to complete a DBS (Disclosure and Baring System, previously the CRB check) but this really depends on what you are offering to do within the Time Bank.
  • We won’t ask you to undertake personal care tasks.