'Fair Shares' for All in Tewkesbury, Priors Park

26/01/05

Do you have a skill that might be of use to your neighbour? Could you do with a helping hand yourself now and then?

If the answer to these questions is 'yes' and you live in the Priors Park area of Tewkesbury, a new community project launched this month, could be just for you.

Supported by Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Primary Care Trust, Tewkesbury Borough Council and Gloucestershire Social Services, a new Fair Shares Project is being officially launched this weekend (Saturday 29 January 2005), designed specifically for the residents of Priors Park.

Fair Shares is a 'not for profit organisation' set up to pioneer Time Credits and Community Time Banks in the UK.

Pam Smith, Priors Park Fair Shares Coordinator, explained:

"A time credit is a different kind of currency based on time. You can earn one Time Credit for each hour you give doing things you enjoy to help and benefit others in the area. For example you might spend one hour doing some shopping for your neighbour, you are then entitled to an hour of someone's help to do your gardening."

Pam continued:

"Anyone can join in. Age, lack of finances, limited mobility, health problems, are no bars to joining the scheme, everyone is valued equally."

To join, you need to contact Pam, and she will do the rest to match your skills and requirements to other people in the scheme.