Time for Young People (T4YP)
One of the most effective models of time banking to emerge from WICC’s work is Time for Young People. T4YP creates opportunities for young people to become active young citizens, contributing to the life of their community.
At the Glyncoch Youth Time Bank, The young people have aquired time credits by:
- producing a mural for the local primary school
- helping to run the summer festival
- getting involved in environmental projects
- running the youth club,
- putting on concerts for the community
- assisting the community centre committee.
With their time credits the young people have enjoyed a 3 day outdoor pursuits weekend, quad-biking, ice-skating, a survival skills and gorge walking course, My Fair Lady at the Millennium Centre and a karate competition in London.
Through the time bank the young people have begun to take more responsibility in the youth club. They have formed their own constituted organisation GYAT (Glyncoch Youth Action Team) and are taking over the decision-making processes of the youth club.
“time banking has meant we have done loads of stuff for the community and because of our efforts we have been on trips to loads of places”
Youth Participant
Case Study: Bettws Youth Time Banking Project
In Bettws, a small valleys community in South Wales, Police were faced with the highest levels of youth anti-social behaviour out of 39 wards in the borough. The police recognised the need to positively engage with young people. A new partnership between the Boys and Girls Club, Communities First Partnership, School, local community groups, Time Banking Wales and the Police, to establish a T4YP Time Bank.
Young people from the area earned time credits by giving their time to community based projects, facilitated by the Boys and Girls Club, community groups and the school. These includes anti-bullying projects, environmental projects, supporting local community groups with activities, helping to run children and youth activities at the Boys and Girls Club such as a Halloween party, attending training by the Police and making decisions with staff and local community Police at the youth PACT meeting.
The young people used their time credits on attending classes at the youth club for example First Aid Courses, health and beauty sessions, judo, cheerleading and carpentry courses or attending events and social activities.
The project has been running for a year and has over 140 members, generating over five thousand active hours in the community. The project has had a dramatic impact on levels of anti-social behaviour. The Police have recorded a 17% reduction in crime (mainly anti-social behaviour) over the past year, within Bettws, since the introduction of T4YP.
Improved relationships between Police, service providers, community members and young people has resulted in lower crime rates, increased community trust and community intelligence.
Source:
1. Sowing the Seeds
Time Banking: Public Service delivery with Time Credits
Public Service Management Wales
Welsh Assembly Government
Published 02/07/08
2. Community Safety Partnership Bridgend: Neighbourhood Policing Team
Shine in Bettws, Published 20/11/2007
3. T4YP Feasibility Study
Time Banking Wales
Published January 2008