By Isle of Wight Observer
Ryde Timebank is celebrating its first anniversary, following a year of exchanging time and skills to strengthen community ties.
Launched in 2024, the initiative now has 54 individual members and 14 organisational partners. Time banking allows members to give and receive help and, for every hour of work undertaken, an hour is banked to use for future support. Exchanges have ranged from gardening and tech support to companionship and well-being sessions.
To mark the milestone, Ryde Timebank has hosted a week of community activities; these included a beach clean and an ‘evening of exchanges’, where members shared skills and stories.
One member, Sue, a Ryde resident in her 60s, joined after being widowed. She discovered the Timebank at a Living Well coffee morning, and has since both given and received help – from lifts to hospital to help with gardening and IT.
Many participants shared experiences of connection. One said: “Clearing brambles in our forest school space sparked connections I wouldn’t have made otherwise. I’ve since linked with two other community groups, the beginning of something really special.”
Ryde Timebank is open to all ages and backgrounds, aiming to build stronger networks through simple acts of giving and receiving time.
As it enters its second year, the group hopes to grow further, deepen its community reach, and continue encouraging mutual support across Ryde.
