Time banking concepts as an effective tool for healthcare access in UK

This study encompasses an analysis of an unique volunteerism initiative named ‘Talking Together’ organized by TimeBank (UK) between 2013-15 under partial funding of Department for Communities and Local Government of The United Kingdom.  The study begins with identification of a social issue in the form of a lack of particular skillset and how it can affect both individuals as well as the society. The delivery model is largely based on a model where the receiver and giver of skills interact informally within a formal setting of imparting spoken English lessons. While the program itself does not rely or link itself to time banking, the conceptual framework clearly draws a similarity line. This article explores a three-fold finding by analyzing the working of time banking concepts effectively within both formal and informal volunteerism settings, how projects as Talking Together are based upon a concept of time banking albeit avoiding being perceived as a time bank and whether the concept helps in facilitating better healthcare access in UK.