What is the HOurBank?

The HOurBank is a scheme in Southwark where people earn ‘HOurs’ for helping others or doing something for their community. The ‘HOurs’ that they bank can then be used when they need a helping hand from someone else. It is called a Mutual Exchange Scheme.

Southwark is one of the most deprived boroughs in the country.

More than half the children live in poverty, 8% of the population are without work, with a third dependent on means tested benefit. 

There are significant issues of poverty, low educational achievement, experience of violent crime amongst young men and fears of crime amongst others.

Lack of social networks and isolation also contribute to heath concerns, as does poor diet, lack of exercise and stress for some sectors of the population, with consequences for mental and physical well-being.

Time banking has much to offer.

• It can help to increase local people’s satisfaction of living in the area by a greater sense of ‘belonging’ through enlarged social networks, or opportunities to care for the environment, as well as reducing isolation.

• Contact between generations may be enhanced and help to reduce anxieties about safety.

• It may be a means to boost confidence, develop, refresh or sustain skills and so act as a stepping stone to employment.

• Potential gains for health are numerous. It is a significant contribution towards social cohesion by involving local people in their neighbourhood while celebrating diversity and the unique contribution each of us could make.

Target communities

The HOurBank targets specific disadvantaged groups –

•  Lone parents

•  Children

•  asylum seekers and refugees

•  Elderly

•  Disabled

•  Those on low income

•  Afro-Caribbean people at risk of mental health problems.