Lowestoft Time Bank community scheme receives grant

Lowestoft Time Bank's Grow Together project was given £820 by East Suffolk councillors George King and Graham Parker from their Enabling Communities Budgets.

Lowestoft Time Bank is a social enterprise centred around the concept of time-banking, where members of the community can exchange skills, services, and time in return for a credit that can be redeemed for help from other members of the community.

The organisation will be using the grant to aid in the development of a neighbourhood garden on Montgomery Avenue and an allotment at the Lowestoft Community Hub.

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The project will also support people living in the area with their own gardening efforts.

Michele Blatchford, director of Lowestoft Time Bank CIC, said: “Our time bank is a way for people to come together to help others, their community and themselves at the same time.

“There are so many of these skills and services we can exchange that build solid community connections, but we’re keen to promote some specific projects here too – one of which is our new, collaborative Grow Together project."

Councillor Parker said: “I really admire this initiative that will involve users of the time bank donating their time and expertise, regardless of their level of experience, to support these gardening endeavours.

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"It will foster a sense of a shared experience, promote well-being, and help to restore biodiversity within our green spaces too."

The Grow Together project is anticipated to assist around 335 beneficiaries directly in its initial year.

This number includes students, adults with physical and learning disabilities, local residents, and job seekers looking to acquire gardening skills and knowledge.

Community groups wishing to apply for Enabling Community Budget funding should contact their district councillor.