volunteering and the credit union movement in wales
DESCRIPTION
Carly Davies, Project Development Manager from Creation Development Trust, explored how Time Banking might sit alongside the volunteering ethic which is embedded in Credit Union activity.TRANSCRIPT
Creation Development Trust
“in unity there is strength”
Location
A former mining village
Rail throughout the valley
Slag was tipped in every available space
The valley was self sufficient
And had a thriving local economy
And a thriving culture
Last mines closed in 1985
The Big March took place
The dereliction lasted for 4 years
Reclamation scheme 1989-1999
Created a beautiful landscape
Upper Garw Valley
Heron was first wildlife to return
Strengths & Opportunities
• Creation set up in 2000• Independent regeneration• Creates community owned
assets• Builds networks• Develops social enterprise
Blaengarw Workmen’s Hall
• 250-seater theatre with stage and bar
• Dance studio• 2 x Training suites• Kitchen• Office space
Creation cafe
Sculpture studio
• Community led and run• Makes new
environmental features• Sculpture courses• Art studio• Calon Lan sculpture
Calon Lan sculpture
Community Sculptures
Calon Lan Sculpture,
Parc Calon Lan
Balarat Arched Entrance Feature, featuring a poem by one of our community members in both Welsh and English
Balarat Pit Head Marker
Ocean Colliery Pit Head Marker
Garw Valley Carnival and Rural Fair
Garw Valley Carnival and Rural Fair
The Rural Timecentre
Local food
• Real Food Shop• Real Food Box• Growing spaces• Orchard• Farm
Garw Valley Heritage Railway
Timecentre
• A type of timebank• 1 hour = 1 time credit
Values of timebanking
• People are assets• Redefining work• Reciprocity• Social networks
Reconstructing healthy communities
Time Banking is a mechanism which can:•Bring people together in a spirit of equality•Value and record contributions to community life •Build an individual’s confidence and skills •Build organisational capacity •Build community networks and knowledge •Get things done that wouldn’t get done otherwise (by funding in time credits) •Encourage community participation•Grow community spirit•Create a greater sense of community ownership and responsibility
Gaining time credits
• Help in the community• Something they enjoy doing or are passionate
about• Be an active learner• For example, members run a club, teach a class,
do litter pick ups, make a piece of art, help a child or an older person, help out at a community venue, maintenance, delivering leaflets, putting on a show
Exchange menu
• Attend an event• Go on a trip• Childcare• Attend a course• Room hire• Photocopying• Meals or drinks• Have your own event• Spend with local
businesses
What has it achieved?
• 1,925 members • 30,000 hours of active citizenship each year• 50 group members• Reduced anti-social behaviour• Improved community governance• Street Ambassador scheme
Regeneration process
What’s next
• International exchange projects with Croatia and Japan
• Community enterprise network• Community Currencies in Action• Social care• Digital inclusion• New private, public, community
partnerships
How can we work with you?
• Free initial advice session
• Bespoke packages of support
• Anywhere in the world!
• Contact us..