Social action and volunteering have many health benefits as well as being ideal ways to develop new skills, try out possible career pathways, meet new people, and simply have fun!
In July 2018 Harlow Council launched a Time Credits scheme in partnership with Tempo and Rainbow Services and supported by Essex County Council.
Time Credit schemes aim to build stronger communities. People earn Time Credits by giving their time to local services and groups. One Time Credit is earned for each hour of time given and acts as a thank you for the contribution of time to their community or service. People can then ‘spend’ Time Credits to access events, training and leisure activities provided by public, community and private organisations, or to thank others in turn.
The community came together to help to design a credit note for Harlow:
In Harlow, we have an exciting choice of partners with volunteering opportunities which individuals can sign up to to earn their credits and an exciting and diverse range of activities which credits can be spent on.
To find out more, contact Wendy Letch at wendy@rainbowservices.org.uk .
About Tempo Time Credits
Tempo Time Credits are a charity who provide recognition to volunteers for their valuable contribution to society. People earn Tempo Time Credits for their time volunteering in their community, which can be used with a network of local and national recognition partners for days out at attractions, classes at gyms or learning providers, vouchers for shopping and entertainment, and a variety of other activities. Their work has been proven to increase engagement in communities, improve the quality of life for individuals, reduce social isolation and improve health and wellbeing. Tempo works in partnership with local authorities, commissioning groups, housing associations, NHS trusts, schools, charities, small and large businesses, and social care providers to deliver programmes that make a difference to people’s lives.
Tempo Time credits co-design and deliver unique Tempo Time Credit networks and programmes with local authorities, NHS organisations, mental health services, substance misuse services, schools, businesses and charity and voluntary organisations. Tempo Time Credits aim to get as many people involved in volunteering as possible and improve communities as a result.
Tempo Time Credits – A Currency for Change
Tempo Time Credits have published a report highlighting the innovative ways in which Tempo Time Credits can support economic justice in communities by valuing everyone’s time equally. By, supporting increased wellbeing for individuals, strengthening place-based economies, supporting longer term financial sustainability of charities and community groups and building stronger relationships between people and public services.
Tempo Time Credits Impact Report 2020/21
This report highlights the standout results of 2020, including the positive impact Tempo Time Credits have had on communities and volunteers during the year of 2020/21
Tempo Time Credits are a charity who provide recognition to volunteers for their valuable contribution to society. We build local and national networks of organisations bringing people together in their local communities to carry out valued and important voluntary work. Volunteers receive Tempo Time Credits for their time volunteering in their community with a network of charity and voluntary organisations or locally commissioned programmes.
Tempo Time Credits can be used with our network of recognition partners for days out at local and national attractions, classes at local gyms, learning providers or even for vouchers for shopping and entertainment. Tempo Time Credits new online platform also allows people to use Tempo Time Credits for a range of online offers.
Tempo Time Credits works in partnership with local authorities, commissioning groups, housing associations, NHS trusts, schools, charity and voluntary organisations, small and large businesses, social care providers and communities. To deliver Tempo Time Credit programs that make a difference to people’s lives.
Tempo Time Credits:
- Attract and retain volunteers
- Recognise volunteers
- Grow cross-sector networks
- Develop co-produced services
- Increase individual and community wellbeing
- Build community capacity and increase participation
750+ recognition partners in our network
50,000+ people have earned Tempo Time Credits to date
More than 1,000,000 Tempo Time Credits earned across the U.K.
To find out more visit Tempos website.
Summary of Impact
Tempo Time Credits make a lasting impact on people’s lives across the U.K and are proud that volunteers and organisations benefit from what Tempo Time Credits has to offer. Tempo Time Credits are able to improve the volunteering experience of individuals, organisations and communities.”.
View the report created by Tempo and the Campaign to End Loneliness to understand the factors which contribute to loneliness in the West Wales region and how to combat this. View the report here.
