CareBank Consultation

CareBank Scheme - March 2012

CareBank Scheme Background

Many people already use their time to help those around them - whether as a volunteer, a carer or just exchanging favours with friends and neighbours. In the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead we want to build on what is already happening in our community and encourage more residents to give and receive help from others. CareBank is an exciting new way to encourage volunteers of all ages to help older and more vulnerable people who may need a little extra help so that they can live as independently and as full a life as possible.

How it works

Volunteers who register with CareBank and help out with things like, for example shopping, driving, housework and gardening can earn credits for their time. These time credits could then be used in a number of different ways, for example:

• Saved for the volunteers' own or their family's support in the future
• Used for a range of different services and activities, eg free swims
• Or donated for the benefit of other people or local groups.

Who is involved?

• Everyone who wants to volunteer and those who would like some help
• Voluntary organisations and charities
• Health services and other partner organisations
• The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
• Some central government departments

We want residents to be involved in designing CareBank in order to find out what will work best for you. We are very interested in your experiences of and thoughts about volunteering. The short online questionnaire is closed at the moment, however, we expect that there will be other opportunities for residents to be involved in the development of CareBank.

Where and when?

We are planning for the pilot scheme to be introduced locally later in the year. Afterwards we believe that other places will adopt the scheme, in order for example, that credits earned can be donated for the support of a family member living in another part of the country.

How it makes a difference

CareBank will improve the choices available for older, more vulnerable residents about how they wish to live their lives. More people will be encouraged to volunteer and their efforts will be recognised with time credits which can be used in a variety of ways.

Collaboration and Expression of Interest

A document was produced which set out initial ideas on the CareBank Scheme and provided details on the background to the project, the objectives of the scheme and key milestones. The document also sought feedback on the project and provided an opportunity for people and organisations to express a formal interest in the project. For information a copy of the document can be downloaded below.

Market Day

A Market Day was successfully held on Monday 18 April 2011 in the Town Hall, Maidenhead for those people who were interested in responding to the CareBank requirements specification document. If you were unable to attend the Market Day and are interested in getting in touch with other interested parties with a view to collaborate or form a partnership - please email carebank@rbwm.gov.uk for a list of contacts.

CareBank Proof of Concept Pilot

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead wants to support a proof of concept pilot to design and test the effectiveness of a time credit based service that will encourage residents to volunteer or provide mutual support for those with unmet support needs. We envisage that a successful pilot that demonstrates sufficient impact and cost/benefit will provide opportunities for the successful bidder to scale the model up across other local areas and link them into a national network.

The Royal Borough invites proposals from organisations or partnerships who can demonstrate that they can:

• Deliver the initial proof of concept pilot
• Scale up and develop the model further over the longer term

This document sets out all information and requirements for bidders.

The CareBank requirements have been developed based on feedback from residents and those involved in the voluntary sector. Please click on the link on the right hand side of the page for set of questions and answers, which expand on some of the queries that have been made during this exercise.

Proof of Concept Pilot - Supporting Documents

Time Bank Models - This document provides an overview of a number of existing time bank models oriented towards providing care needs for older people. The time banks projects are based in the UK, with the exception of Fureai Kippu which is based in Japan. Each case study outlines the project, summarises the aims of the project and provides some key conclusions on the design and function of the model. A number of recommendations are provided at the end of section which highlight issues to consider in time banking.

Impact of Time Banks - This document outlines the reported benefits of time banks and evaluates their impact for individuals, communities and organisations.

Contact Details:

For further information please contact CareBank

By email to: carebank@rbwm.gov.uk

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