Tempo Time Credits: The Currency of Wellbeing and Health

In a world where currencies often measure financial wealth, a remarkable concept has been valuing something far more precious for the past 15 years in England and Wales: time. Tempo Time Credits, a unique currency, isn't about dollars or euros; it's about the currency of community, well-being, and health.

What Are Tempo Time Credits?

Tempo Time Credits are a way of recognizing the time people give to their community. It's a system where individuals earn time credits for the time, they spend volunteering or engaging in community activities. These credits can then be exchanged for various experiences, services, or opportunities within a network of participating organisations, we call them our Recognition Partners. It's essentially a mechanism for rewarding and incentivizing civic engagement and community participation.

How It Works

The concept is beautifully simple: for the hours someone contributes to their community, they earn Tempo Time Credit. These credits can then be used to access a range of activities and services, from leisure and cultural events to educational courses and health and wellbeing programs.

For instance, someone might volunteer at a food bank for a few hours a week, earning Tempo Time Credits in return. With these credits, they could then attend a fitness class, take up a cooking course, or even enjoy a day out with their family. The possibilities are diverse and tailored to suit individual interests and needs.

Promoting Wellbeing and Health

One of the most significant aspects of Tempo Time Credits is its potential to promote well-being and health. Here's how:

1. Social Connection: Volunteering and participating in community activities fosters social connections, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are detrimental to mental health.

2. Physical Activity: Many activities available through Tempo Time Credits involve physical movement, such as sports, gardening, or dance classes, promoting physical health and fitness. People are also often more physically active when volunteering and this can often be the first step at improving health and wellbeing.

3. Learning Opportunities: Access to educational courses and workshops not only provides valuable skills but also stimulates cognitive function and contributes to lifelong learning, which is vital for mental well-being.

4. Sense of Purpose: Contributing to the community gives individuals a sense of purpose and fulfilment, which are essential for psychological well-being.

5. Reduced Stress: Engaging in enjoyable activities and socializing can help reduce stress levels, leading to better overall health outcomes.

Impact

Numerous case studies and stories demonstrate the positive impact of Tempo Time Credits on individuals and communities. From increased volunteering rates to improved mental and physical health outcomes, the evidence speaks volumes about the efficacy of our innovative approach. In 2023 volunteers told us about the impacts Time Credits had on their lives....

58 % reported improved mental health

83% reported improved physical health

56% visit or see other people more often

15% have a got a job

30 % have less need to see the GP

40% of people receiving Time Credits in recognition of their time can afford to do more as a result. This is more important now than ever. The cost-of-living crisis has impacted us all. Time Credits help to build hope and resilience as people access things they otherwise could not afford.

We caught up with Nia ap Tegwyn who is the Senior Language Officer at MGSG to discuss Tempo Time Credits and the impact they have for volunteers. Nia said, ‘Tempo Time Credits are a lovely way of acknowledging the time and effort given by our volunteers and thanking them as they support our work to bridge into our communities whilst allowing them to be able to afford opportunities that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to spend their money on’. Nia added that ‘When our volunteers use their Time Credits it really supports improving their quality of life which in combination with the positive impact of volunteering has a positive effect whilst supporting our ability to engage people into the Welsh language’.

Join Our Movement

Tempo Time Credits has served as a catalyst for change over the past 15 years. By incentivizing community involvement and valuing people's time and contributions, Tempo Time Credits offer a tangible pathway towards building stronger, more resilient communities. But we cannot bridge the gaps alone. It requires each of us to come together, to collaborate, and to advocate for change.

Together, we can create a movement that values everyone, where poverty is addressed, inclusion is promoted, isolation is combated, and everyone's time and contributions are valued. Join me in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Your support is crucial in enabling us to expand our reach, empowering more individuals, and building stronger, more resilient communities. Let's make a difference together.

Consider this: What could you give? What difference does your hour make? It's easy to underestimate the impact of a single hour of your time. Yet, within that hour lies the potential to transform lives, to uplift spirits, and to build connections that last a lifetime. Your hour of volunteering, your hour of support, your hour of advocacy—it all adds up to create meaningful change.

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So, I urge you to ask yourself: How will you spend your hour? How will you make a difference today?

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