An innovative project that sees kind-hearted residents recognised with ‘social currency’ for carrying out good deeds is being expanded across Haringey.
Haringey Time Credits, one of several Time Credits schemes in London, offers residents who are happy to give an hour of their time to a good cause locally the opportunity to clock-up credits to spend at many local businesses and community organisations – such as theatres, cinemas or leisure centres – as well as world-famous attractions like the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Haringey Time Credits was launched last year exclusively for people recovering from substance misuse. More than one year into the scheme, and with more than 6,000 hours of Time Credits earned to date, it is being expanded so that it can also be accessed by people across the whole borough to support good mental health and wellbeing, and people who use mental health services..
During the holiday period, Haringey Time Credits are running a special Twelve Spends of Christmas programme, offering people who have earned credits the opportunity to spend them on festive treats, such as trips to ice skating or to carol concerts, or use them as Christmas gifts for loved ones.
Time Credit user Nick, who has given away some of the credits he’s earned as Christmas gifts, says: “It feels great to be able to give something to others despite having limited income.”
Cllr Peter Morton, Haringey Council Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:
“Over the last 12 months it’s been fantastic to see the Haringey Time Credits scheme go from strength-to-strength and I’m delighted that they will be expanding so that more Haringey can residents can make use of this exciting and innovative service.
“As all Haringey residents will know, we are fortunate in this borough to have many people who wish to give their free time to benefit others. Thanks to the Haringey Time Credits scheme, these acts of kindness can now have wider benefits for the whole community including enabling people to do things they might not otherwise be able to access or afford.”
Jude Luckett, Senior Project Manager for London at Spice, said:
“We’re really excited that Haringey Time Credits is getting even bigger and better this year and will reach more people across the borough. Through Time Credits, Haringey is encouraging more and more people to get involved and drive change in their communities.”
The Haringey Time Credits scheme is managed by the charity Spice and is co-commissioned by Haringey Council and homelessness charity St Mungos Broadway. Local businesses that accept Time Credits as currency include Alexandra Palace, Art House Cinema in Crouch End, and Fusion leisure centres.
For more information about the Haringey Time Credits scheme, including details of how you can get involved earning and where Time Credits can be spent, please visit www.justaddspice.org or www.facebook.com/HaringeyTimeCredits.
