Support group banking on creative way to help people with learning difficulties

Agroup which works with adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems has launched a new scheme to help the community.

Creative Support North Lincolnshire, based at Haldenby House on Doncaster Road, Scunthorpe, hopes to help people with learning disabilities by working in partnership with local companies.

One of the group's new ideas is time banking, which involves people from Creative Support volunteering for other people and getting services in return.

To take an example, a volunteer at Creative Support might offer a service to a company – for instance, bag packing – in exchange for a donation or a discount of some sort.

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Creative Support has got in touch with 17 companies so far to get people involved in the project – but the Scunthorpe Telegraph is to date the only one that has responded.

Now the organisation is looking for companies to join the scheme.

Jane Foster, personalised services co-ordinator for Creative Support, said: "We have lots of innovative ideas for ways that can be of benefit to all involved.

"Time banking usually works on a system of credit. If you do one hour of volunteering for another member of the time bank, you receive one credit.

"You can then use this credit to buy services from another time bank member.

"Time banking is a great way to learn new skills from the people around you for free, as long as you are willing to do something in return.

"It can help you make new friends and have fun.

"There are usually no costs involved in time banking apart from a Criminal Records Bureau check if needed."

Creative Support is also looking at setting up six months of group exchanges, where members can get to know each other.

Ms Foster said: "This will enable them to be aware of what each other's strengths are and therefore what they would like to offer as their skill to others.

"Our service and its users are diverse and are spread throughout North Lincolnshire.

"We believe it is a positive way for people to realise their strengths and also to utilise those of others."

Ms Foster said the group was now looking for companies to work alongside the scheme.

Any businesses which are interested in taking part in the time banking scheme should call 01724 858131.

For more details on time banking, go to www.timebanking.org/ find_a_timebank.html or e-mail Jane.Foster@creativesupport.co.uk