Timebanking UK

Timebanking UK will develop and implement an open-source, free-to-use platform to significantly reduce the barriers to entry for setting up, joining or managing local timebanks.

Website: www.timebanking.org

Timebanking UK will develop and implement an open-source, free-to-use platform to significantly reduce the barriers to entry for setting up, joining or managing local timebanks. 

Timebanking UK is building on proven open source software developed by Timebanks USA.  The organisation wants to revolutionise the operating system behind Timebanks by making available 'Community Weaver.'  

Traditionally, the set up and management of timebanks has been resource intensive, relying on a timebank broker to match supply and demand within a community. Community Weaver will automate the process, reducing the costs and barriers for organisations and individuals to establish and maintain a timebank.

This software will also open up public, private and community resources and make it easier to add bespoke timebanking projects. More importantly, it will encourage the rapid scale up of the exchange of time and skills, helping more people to connect with each other to build sustainable communities.

Timebanking UK is the national umbrella charity linking and supporting timebanks across the UK by providing inspiration, guidance and practical help.  It has over 220 member time-banks and represents over 20,000 timebankers across the UK, generating over 1 million hours of support per year. 

The Award: Timebanking has been awarded £150,000 to fast-track the tech development, business modelling and implementation of Community Weaver the open-source programme.

Contacts

• Sam Hopley
• James Mackie: Strategy & Performance
• Lawrence Hughes: CEO, Fairshares Gloucestershire