Time Credits arrive at The Historic Dockyard Chatham
On the 29th March local volunteers who have undertaken a minimum of 4 hours of volunteering for a local charity visited The Historic Dockyard Chatham to spend their Time Credits as a group to enter The Dockyard for a visit. “This particular event aims to launch the partnership work between both our organisations at the same time as promoting the programme in Medway. Thus, supporting their wider objective which is to reduce local health inequalities and strengthen community cohesion” – Alexandra Curson, Community Engagement and Volunteering Officer
What are Time Credits?
Medway Time Credits, commissioned by Medway CCG as part of the Involving Medway programme which aims to build health as a social movement, supports greater involvement between local people and organisations. Time Credits work in that for every hour that an individual contributes to their community or service, they earn on Time Credit. This Time Credit can be spent accessing an hour of activity provided by one of the organisation signed up to the programme.
The Visit…
Being one of the largest organisations in Medway to sign up, The Dockyard were delighted to have 16 volunteers choose their attraction to spend their first Time Credits with.
Natalie, who volunteers with Arches Local, came with her children, and said: “This is the first time we’ve been here. My son Kyle has loved it!”
Kyle, age 6, said: “I like the ships with the big steering wheels.”
Claire, who also volunteers at Arches Local, said: “I’ve never been here before. It’s not a place I’d naturally choose to visit with my 4 girls. It’s great to have been able to come here with Time Credits and see for myself what my children can do. I have a lot more to see and then I can decide if I can buy tickets for us all as a family to come together.”
Liz, 42, said: “I came here in a panic attack. Look at me now, I’m fine! Three years ago I was unwell and in hospital. I’ve come a long way. I’m looking forward to the future, to more trips like this. I want to go to London with Time Credits. Life is for living!”
Pete, 75, used to work on HMS Cavalier. He said: “I have a lot of spare time now. I would be interested in helping around the ships, maybe with maintenance.”
Smitha Campbell, Medway Time Credits Project Manager: “Time Credits are a social currency that can help promote health and wellbeing and make communities stronger. It was heartwarming to see the genuine enthusiasm and warm welcome for our group of Kent and Medway Time Credits members from the staff of The Historic Dockyard. They supported our members in accessing and enjoying as many experiences as possible in the time they were there.”
Liz, enjoying her day at The Historic Dockyard Chatham
