THE Port of Milford Haven is backing a one-year pilot project, aiming to improve community engagement and wellbeing on the town’s Mount Estate.

The time banking initiative is an exciting opportunity for the area, having been made possible with funding from the Port in collaboration with Public Health Wales and the Welsh Government Integrated Care Fund.

The programme, being co-ordinated by PAVS (Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services), is open to people of all ages and abilities as the types of activities that can be carried out to earn volunteering hours can vary widely, for example DIY tasks, dog walking or companionship.

Time banking is a way of encouraging people to give their time to each other, using time as currency.

With every hour spent volunteering, a time credit is earned.

These credits can then be used to access local, community-led opportunities such as events and training courses.

Alternatively, they can be used within a network of local businesses that are signed up to the programme as time bank sponsors.

The programme aims to have six time banks established that are volunteer-led and demonstrate sustainability.

Lee Hind, time banking development officer at PAVS, said: “This is a fantastic programme for the area and we have worked closely with Timebanking UK to bring this practise into Pembrokeshire.

"This has worked very well in other areas of Wales and the UK, and we are excited to see the positive effect it will have on the community.”

After visiting the Mount Community Centre, stakeholder engagement and communications manager at the Port Anna Malloy said “We are pleased to have collaborated with other institutions in Wales to back this programme for our local community in the Mount Estate.

"Time banking is an excellent way for people to exchange time and skills with each other for the benefit of all.”

The Mount Community Centre Time Bank is open every Tuesday.

Go along to find out how you can join and earn free passes to local events and attractions, plus training and more.