Community groups encouraged to apply to Merseylink’s Time Bank scheme
Community organisations in Halton are being given another chance to apply to Merseylink’s Time Bank for specialist support.
The bridge builder has announced that Round 6 of its innovative Time Bank scheme will open on Monday 26 September 2016 and will accept applications until Friday 21 October 2016.
Time Bank was set up to provide practical help and support to directly benefit the communities of Halton.
The scheme works by matching successful applicants to a Merseylink partner who gives their time to provide the relevant corporate, financial, commercial or technical expertise needed.
Time Bank is geared towards providing an initial level of support to help community projects to get off the ground. For example, by helping organisations to produce business plans and funding bids or by providing technical input for initial scoping works for building projects.
This may involve conducting ground surveys, producing technical drawings and designs, and providing cost estimates. This information helps to determine if projects are feasible; it can also be used to support associated funding applications such as National Lottery funding.
Local organisations that have received support to date include schools, community centres, residents associations, heritage groups, as well as the local authority.
Runcorn Rowing Club received specialist technical advice for building works to create foundations for a new clubhouse building, while Daresbury District Heritage Group has had help to develop a new website.
Numerous schools and colleges in the borough have also been supported including Riverside College, which was able to run a series of educational workshops for students.
Neil Wilcock, Employment and Skills Coordinator at Merseylink, explained:
“The Time Bank scheme allows us to offer expert advice, which otherwise can be very costly. Thanks to the support of our project team and generous supply chain we’ve been able to help some fantastic projects. Once again we want to hear from local groups that need our help, so please do get in touch.”
Cllr Rob Polhill, Leader of Halton Borough Council, said: “So many organisations across the borough have already received valuable support
through this fantastic scheme. The expertise across the project team is world class and I would encourage any organisation interested in applying for support to contact Merseylink to find out more.”
You can apply to the Time Bank scheme via the Mersey Gateway website – www.merseygateway.co.uk/merseylink/time-bank
For more information contact Neil Wilcock, Employment and Skills Coordinator, on 07773 806270 or email neil.wilcock@merseylink.com