Timehelp Program – Turning Spare Time into Community Resources

Kingman L¹*

1. Kingman Consulting Pty Ltd, Drumcondra, Victoria, Australia

Timehelp is an innovative community partnership model that turns spare time into school resources & connects our younger generation with our seniors. It came about through the vision of two not for profit organisations Charities Aid Foundation and SEAL Force and global aluminium giant Alcoa, who saw an opportunity to better utilise ‘people resources’ in building a strong and more vibrant community.

In just 8 months since inception, over 1500 volunteer hours ($60,000 in value) have been contributed by Alcoa retirees and others seniors in the community to 5 state primary and secondary schools in Geelong region, Victoria. Those figures rise weekly, with 98% of the Timehelp team sustaining their involvement. Tasks range from budget cooking for teenage mums, to floral art for kids without gardens, library assistance, one to one reading support, grounds maintenance, and sharing of life experiences.

Timehelp is national & international best practice in its field because of:

• The structure & critical support provided to the seniors & schools involved. 2 part-time Timehelp managers match school needs with skill & knowledge of the volunteers & offer ongoing management to both parties. The volunteers undergo pre-placement training and police checks. A kit has been developed outlining the program procedures and responsibilities for both parties. All Timehelp members are supplied with a distinctive uniform, a regular newsletter and networking functions.
• The three-way link between a major company and its retirees, local schools, and the not for profit organisations providing the ongoing management.
• Ability to duplicate the model in any community anywhere in the world where there is a major business presence – that is our intention. A short documentary DVD has been produced.

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