News release
31st January 2023
Mersey Gateway Time Bank returns to boost Halton Communities in 2023
The innovative local support scheme developed as part of the Mersey Gateway Project to boost community organisations in Halton is returning for 2023, after being postponed for a couple of years during the pandemic.
The Mersey Gateway Time Bank is a way for Merseylink and Merseyflow to demonstrate their commitment to the local area and provide practical help and support to organisations like schools, colleges, charities, and community groups.
The scheme matches the skills of the Merseylink and Merseyflow teams with local needs to provide long-lasting benefits to community life in Halton by offering a commitment of time, expertise and resources.
Community groups, charities and voluntary organisations who are interested in applying for support from the Time Bank are advised to get their applications in as soon as possible by emailing info@merseylink.com.
Time Bank has already gifted over 20,000 hours of support locally across a variety of projects in Runcorn and Widnes.
Play areas, village halls, studios and community facilities are just some of the organisations that have benefited from previous rounds of Time Bank activity since 2014.
One of those to benefit in the past was LOOSE Charity in Widnes, which had a garden area completely transformed with new paved areas, planters and garden furniture for service users to enjoy.
Louise Nulty, studio project manager at LOOSE charity, said: "To have the support of Time Bank to transform our back space into a welcoming, attractive haven is fantastic.
“The revived area lifts everyone who attends, especially those who have seen it over many years. They can't believe the change and the fact that it is now a useable and beautiful place for our visitors."
A minimum of 30 days per year are committed through the Time Bank scheme, and assistance can include anything from regeneration activities, career advice, technical advice, general maintenance, painting and litter picking, as well as any suggestions applicants can provide.
Individuals from Merseylink and Merseyflow have also expressed an interest in offering more personal commitments such as mentoring, coaching, and presentation skills aimed at young people or the unemployed to increase their chances of securing sustainable employment.
Karen Atherton, Merseylink Network Steward and Time Bank Lead, said: “We’re so pleased that we’re able to reopen applications for the Time Bank after having to take a break due to the pandemic. We’ve always had a really positive response from organisations that need additional support, so I would recommend getting your applications in early. Our team is raring to go and can’t wait to jump into some new projects to help the community in Halton.”
Emma Simons, Head of HR at Merseyflow, said: “We’re proud to support the work of amazing local charities through the Time Bank initiative. Getting involved in the community challenges brings our team together and provides the opportunity to engage with other volunteers and local charities. We’re excited to see what new projects we will be giving time to in 2023.”
This year’s Time Bank will run until Friday 31 March 2023. More information is available by emailing info@merseylink.com.