This is a press release that was sent to the newspapers and radio

United Response, has been given money to run two Timebanking projects in Manchester and Liverpool. This will bringing together disabled and non-disabled volunteers to share their time and skills.

United Response has received £24,000 from Trafford Council's Innovation Fund and £19,000 from the Liverpool Making it Happen Partnership Board .

They will use this money to set up and run the volunteering projects.

If someone volunteers 1 hour of their time to help someone else in the Timebank, they get a credit. They can use this credit to ask for something they need.

United Response's Area Manager, Alexandra Badwi, said: "What's great about Timebanking is that it's not just for people with disabilities. It's for everyone."

"Volunteers swap skills and talents and everyone is valued equally. An hour helping build a conservatory is worth just as much as an hour helping someone follow a recipe."

"People with learning disabilities often receive support. Timebanking means that people can contribute and be recognised for their skills. It means they can contribute to the local community."

United Response is already running a successful Timebanking scheme in Huddersfield. People with learning disabilities have given their time and then had help back from others.

Steven volunteered his time to help with a local church garden and to deliver leaflets for a local group. He used his credits to 'buy' help with moving furniture when he was moving house.

To find out more about United Response's Timebanking projects, contact Alexandra Badwi at alex.badwi@unitedresponse.org.uk