In this short training session, we will cover:

1. What is the community directory?
2. How can members add and find community listings?
3. How can listings stand out from the crowd?
4. Signing up and getting started.

Register for a FREE ticket to join our webinar and click the Zoom invite link on the day.

About the Our Monmouthshire platform

Frequently asked questions

1. How is Our Monmouthshire different from other volunteering sites?

Our Monmouthshire is a social networking platform created to help communities share information, make connections and exchange kind offers of help. The aim is to help Monmouthshire residents access local support and offer assistance to neighbours where they can.

We know that it’s often the small acts of kindness that make a biggest difference to people in our communities. This platform provides a place where people can offer help to neighbours or ask for help from others.

2. How can I use the platform to give or find help?

By joining the timebank, you can make an offer of help, for example: “I can teach IT skills for 1hr per week”. Another member can take up the offer and then mark as complete when done. Once complete, you will receive virtual credits for your time which your can spend on requests or offers from others.

3. Do I need any special skills or a CV to join?

No, you don’t need any qualifications, special skills or a CV, just a willingness to offer help to others or ask for it if needed.

4. What do I need to add to my profile?

Your public profile is a place to share some information about you with the whole community. You can choose to hide certain information from your public profile. We recommend sharing some basic information such as any hobbies or interests you have or the type of job you normally do or did before retiring.

You don’t have to share things like your exact age, just some basic information so that other users feel they know and trust you if you are offering help. You can see a sample real profile here.

5. Will I need a photo to sign up?

Having a photo on your profile allows other users to put a name to a face. If you don’t have a photo of yourself then why not upload a picture of your favourite place or from a hobby you have.

6. Can I join Our Monmouthshire if I need help but can’t offer anything in return?

Yes you can.

Our Monmouthshire is made up of lots of local people and organisations from all across the county who provide help and support to each other. There’s no obligation to offer help if you are unable to give it and in these uncertain times it’s even more important that those that need help let others know.

The ethos of timebanking is that everyone has something to offer, however small. Have you taken a look at our suggestions for what you could offer to the timebank?

7. Does it cost anything to be a member of Our Monmouthshire?

No. Its free to all end users. Our Monmouthshire is a community platform provided by Monmouthshire County Council for everyone to use.

8. What is timebanking?

Timebanking is a national scheme where people can earn time credits for doing favours for others in their community. Credits can then be spent on offers made by others. No money is involved and it’s a quick and simple way to exchange small acts of help and assistance.

Before you can start a timebank exchange, you are required to complete a second step registration to join the timebank. To register for the timebank please complete the application form.

9. I’m interested in joining but how can I trust members and information on this platform?

Your safety is important to us. Safeguarding is vitally important for anyone who volunteers to help others and those receiving help from strangers. Our Monmouthshire offers a safer alternative to many other social media platforms that people are using to exchange help and support.

Local organisations are invited to add their service listings which are checked by the team before going live. Members of the public are required to go through a reference checking process before they can join the time bank and start exchanging offers and requests with other members.