United Response awarded funding for Liverpool and Manchester Timebanking Schemes

We have been awarded funding to head up two Timebanking schemes in Manchester and Liverpool, bringing together disabled and non-disabled volunteers to share their time and skills on an equal footing.

We have received £24,000 in funding from Trafford Council's Innovation Fund and £19,000 from the Liverpool Making it Happen Partnership Board to set up and run the volunteering schemes, which are based on the principle of people 'depositing' time to help others and receiving help back in return.

After volunteering one hour of their time to help someone else in the Timebank, each person receives one credit, which they can then trade in when they need something done for themselves at a future date.

Read the full press release about the timebanking schemes on our website

Mental health services must look beyond clinical needs

We have welcomed the publication of Professor Appleby's report on the next phase of mental health care reform.

The Chief Executive of United Response, Su Sayer, said:

"We need to work together to create services that not only respond to a person's clinical needs, but which look beyond them to provide people with the information and ongoing support they need to live full lives in the community."

To read our full response, go to www.unitedresponse.org.uk