The Rushey Green Time Bank

Meet the Staff

This Page is an opportunity for us, the staff of the Rushey Green Time Bank to introduce ourselves.

Charmaine Jacobs - Time Bank Broker

Hello, I'm Charmaine and I am the Rushey Green Time Bank Broker.
I was introduced to time banking through the Rushey Green Time Bank Parent and Baby group, this group was a saviour for me as I was a new mum who desperately needed a regular social outlet for me and my son, who was four months old at the time. I signed up as a member in July 2007 and haven't looked back.
Time banking introduced me to the local community and made me want to really get involved and give my time and use my skills to benefit my community. In December 2007, I became a member of the Lewisham Toy Library Management Committee.
I became Co-facilitator for the RGTB Parent Group in 2008 which opened me up to new networks through our partnership with Lewisham Children's Centres who provide us with a community room for our weekly sessions. I subsequently became a Children's Centres volunteer and through the volunteering project was able to complete an NVQ Level 2 in Children's Care Learning and Development.
I was appointed Rushey Green Time Bank Broker in May 2009.
- What a journey from Time Bank parent group Visitor to Time Bank Broker! -

My aim is to build on our networks and partnerships to encourage community cohesion; reach even more diverse groups and to empower our members to participate in strengthening and sustaining our community.

"If people feel part of community, people feel they have a stake in that community, then community immediately becomes more cohesive. Community cohesion lies at the heart of what makes a safe and strong community"

Philippe Granger - Development Manager

Hello there, I am Philippe and I am the Rushey Green Time Bank development manager. I came over from France back in 1974 to "have a look" at London and have some fun... and I stayed! Living in the UK has been extremely rewarding and provided me with a multitude of experiences and friends that have enriched my life. My wife and I have been involved in community work in South London for over 25 years, often using our house to host workshops and groups, and help a variety of people.

I have been involved with several charities and steering groups that provide support and new opportunities for people. After many years of project managing at Royal Mail I decided to devote more of my time and knowledge in Lewisham where the community sector is vibrant. Rushey Green Time Bank is a significant contributor to the community as it brings people from all sorts of backgrounds together in the local neighbourhood of Catford. As members help each other and get to know their neighbours they rebuild a sense of trust and community and they develop a sense of belonging. This makes Catford a special place to live in.

Time Banking is an international movement that is ever growing and we are linked to a wider group of Time Banks in London and the UK . There is also a Time Bank Network in Lewisham that is focused on enriching the borough by developing more Time Banks. Rushey Green Time Bank plays a key part in this and is often looked upon as a successful model of well-being initiatives. My aim is to build on its strengths and increase its impact in people's lives.

 

Charmaine Jacobs

 

Philippe Granger