Message from Viv at Timebank Plus:
As Lockdown restrictions start to ease, we are looking at ways we can run some of our projects in a safe way. Our online groups will continue to meet every week via Zoom, as it is not yet possible to run indoor face-to-face groups safely. However, as from the beginning of June, we will be re-opening the ‘Borrow It’ Library of Things. Southside Food Co-op will also be starting again shortly and will run on a weekly basis.
The Time Bank office will be staffed on Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday mornings, but will not be open to the public.
We will be able to start doing sustainable gardening and food growing, but only where it is safe to do so, following a risk assessment. We are also looking at the possibility of re-starting Health Walks in the near future, with social distancing and a maximum of 6 people.
We are continuing to keep in touch with our members and offer regular or occasional phone calls to anyone who’d like a friendly, supportive chat. Our WhatApp group will also continue, helping people to stay connected, share information, exchange ideas or ask for help. Please email us with your mobile number for the joining link.
Borrow It
The Borrow It Library of Things will be opening as from this week (2nd June) on Tuesday afternoons from 2 – 6pm and as from 17th June on Wednesday mornings from 10am – 12noon. Please ring beforehand on 01225 442813 to let us know what you’d like to borrow, so we can prepare it and sanitise it. Just knock on our shopfront door and we will pass the item to you. Click here for more info and our catalogue of things: http://timebankplus.co.uk/wp/?page_id=586
Southside Food Co-op
We plan to re-start the Food Co-op as from Wednesday 17th June. Boxes of fresh, locally grown veg will be available weekly (or fortnightly if preferred) on Wednesdays, by home delivery only to South and West Bath (eg Twerton, Whiteway, Odd Down, Oldfield Park, Newbridge & Lower Weston).
We will be making some changes to the pricing structure. For those people on a lowish income (below £18,000 pa for a single person or £25,000 for a couple) prices will remain the same – ie £3.50 for a small box, £4.50 for a medium box and £6 for a large box. For those who are better off, we will be charging more - £5 for a small box, £6 for a medium box and £8 for a large box. Delivery will cost £1, regardless of box size or income. We will trust people to let us know and won’t be asking anyone for evidence of income!
We have decided to trial this price structure because we don’t want to undercut other box schemes and local growers who may themselves be struggling. We will use any income raised to provide veggies to those in extreme need.
Please email to let us know if you’d like to order a veggie box and please provide a phone number for us to contact you. Payment needs to be in advance by bank transfer or direct debit.
Sustainable Gardening & Food Growing
We will assess gardening referrals on a case by case basis, and only take them on where it is safe to do so (eg without access through the house and where the garden is large enough for social distancing). It will also depend on whether there are available volunteers. Please get in touch if you’d like to help out.
Our allotment at Bath City Farm is also available for additional volunteers to help with food growing.
Online groups
Here’s a calendar of the weekly online Zoom groups we have set up. All these groups are currently open to new people wishing to join. Just email us and we’ll send you a Zoom invite. Help is available if needed with setting up and using Zoom (see below).
Tuesdays
2 – 3pm Time Bank Social Café. This is an opportunity to meet up socially on Zoom for a friendly chat and catch up. We also sometimes have quizzes or other activities.
Wednesdays
2 – 3pm Knit & Natter Group. Get out your wool and knitting needles or crochet hook, make a cup of tea and sit down for a friendly online session with a small group of others. Expert advice is available if needed from our wonderful, knowledgeable volunteer.
Thursdays
11 – 12pm Gardening & Food Growing. This is a lively online group hosted by Rowan for people interested in gardening and food growing. Members of the group share information, tips and advice, to learn and improve their gardening expertise.
2 – 3pm Creative Writing Group. This is a very friendly and supportive group of people who are writing and sharing short pieces of prose or poetry. There is a different topic each week and we have an online forum where members of the group can post up their writings. Alternatively, a member of the group is willing to offer advice on people’s writing, if they’d prefer not to post it on the forum.
Fridays
2 – 3pm Games Session. This is a friendly fun session, led by wonderful volunteer Thomas, where we play simple board games such as Boggle, Family Fortunes, Wavelengths and many other games. Please join us.
Internet Support
Our helpful IT volunteer is offering individual advice and support with internet problems, downloading or using apps. If you are struggling with Zoom or other IT problems, just email us with your phone number and he will talk you through the issues you are having.
Foraging Group
Our WhatsApp Foraging Group is a space where people can swap info and tips on edible plants and wild foods, exchange recipes and get ideas and inspiration. Please email us your mobile number if you would like to join.
Helpline 0300 247 0050
Finally, here is a B&NES Helpline number which you can ring for access to:
- Volunteer support such as collecting shopping and prescriptions and offering regular supportive phone chats
- Money and benefits advice services and housing issues
- Up to date info on food delivery services throughout B&NES
- Food Banks and food & meal deliveries to elderly and vulnerable people
- Services for the most vulnerable, carers, domestic abuse and other family issues
0300 247 0050
The helpline is open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm.
Please note: for medical advice you need to ring 111.
Take care and keep well, from Time Bank Plus
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