A TIME bank has launched in West Somerset for people in local communities to help one another using time, not money, as currency.

Minehead and Coast Time Bank is being hosted by the West Somerset Green Forum, which will hold a ‘welcome gathering’ in October for members and prospective members to get to know each other.

The event will start at 10.30 am on October 24, in the Quaker Meeting House, Minehead.

It will provide an opportunity for people to learn more and share their ideas.

Co-ordinator Lisa Nezam said: “Timebanking is a way to support each other in the community using time and not money, all totally free.

“Timebanking works for everybody, individuals, organisations, and society as a whole.

“People arrange to give time when it suits them, no regular commitments, offering skills they enjoy using.

“It is a two-way process of giving time and receiving time.

“Everybody has skills they can offer.

“Share your skills, get help when you need it, and make new friends.

“Membership and participation is totally free.

“For every hour given, you earn an hour in return.

“In timebanking, you help somebody for an hour, or thereabouts, for example by mowing their lawn or doing their shopping.

“For every hour of help you give, you earn an hour’s credit from your time bank.

“You can spend your time credit by receiving an hour of somebody else’s time.

“For example, you could learn how to cook an apple pie, or get help with painting your fence.”

“Everybody’s time is valued equally.

“No money is exchanged, although participants may agree to cover expenses.

“Everybody’s time is valued equally, one hour of sharing your skills or helping others earns you one time credit, whatever the skill or task.”

Anybody interested should call Ms Nezam on 07985 049408 or 01643 705461 or email [email protected].