Community organisations in Halton are being encouraged to sign up for the charitable Time Bank scheme led by Merseylink and Merseyflow for free-of-charge expert help during 2025.
The Time Bank initiative aims to assist key organisations, including schools, colleges, charities, and community groups, by allowing Halton communities to benefit from the skills and expertise of the Merseylink and Merseyflow teams.
This innovative local support scheme, developed as part of the Mersey Gateway Project, has run since 2015 and will return for another year following a highly successful 2024.
Last year’s scheme provided support to Halton Haven Hospice to improve its Memory Garden, which involved weeding, cleaning, and a fresh coat of paint for the hospice's surrounding areas.
The Halton Village Millennium Green Trust benefited from enhancements to the green, with assistance in clearing the bases of fruit trees, laying down weed-preventative membrane, and placement of bark chips on the membrane.
Community groups, charities, and voluntary organizations interested in applying for support from the Time Bank are requested to email info@merseylink.com for an application form.
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 other suitable suggestions applicants can provide.
Karen Atherton, Merseylink Liaison Officer and Time Bank Lead said: “We’ve had an amazing response to our Time Bank initiative in the past, with incredible projects that truly benefit local charities and the Halton community. Our team is raring to go for 2025 and is excited to dive into new opportunities. We urge any organisation needing support to apply early and reach out to see how we can help.”
Emma Newton, Head of HR & Compliance at Merseyflow, said: “We’re proud to support the work of amazing local charities through the Time Bank initiative. Getting involved in 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 2025.”
This year’s Time Bank is open for applications until Friday 28th March 2025. For more information, email info@merseylink.com.
