Janet’s story
“For me, it’s completely changed my life”.
I was a housewife and retired and didn’t do anything. I started timebanking and went to the Timebanking conference in Blackpool and met some lovely people. I was really inspired by the changes it made to people’s lives.
At home I helped with a survey to see if people wanted to learn about how to grow vegetables, and from that Diane started Growing Newsome, which I got involved in as well.
So because I earned time credits I got some payback and another timebanking member helped me learn how to send emails. Then I helped at the luncheon club.
Timebanking members cleared this area, I helped plant it up. The idea is that people will be able to help themselves to the plants and herbs that we grow.
As a result of this I’ve helped reunite the local tenants and residents association which I’m quite involved with and had the confidence to go on to do various courses.
I have never taken a proper exam in my life but timebanking gave me the confidence to go on to get my certificate in Leadership and Management.
I can be an example to people who think they can’t do anything – because you can.