Leeds Creative Timebank

Latest Updates

Online socials: Virtual tea breaks

Various dates and times (March/April)

Fancy getting together for a chat over a cuppa with other artists and creatives?

We’re hosting online chats (video, audio or typing) for anyone who wishes to join (you don’t need to be a Timebank member). Some are just an open-themed natter – others have set topics which aim to help each other through the crisis.

If you have questions/suggestions relating to the Timebank or are looking for some input on ideas they have – then feel free to raise on the conversation (or propose a theme beforehand)

virtual tea break

How to join

You’ll need to download the Zoom.us software. You can access via a web browser or Windows, Mac, iOS and Android apps are available. There’s no cost. You can also dial in via 0203 481 5240 (call charges apply).

To enable us to maintain this as a safer space access details are distributed through our member-only Facebook group and in member emails. If you’re not a member yet it’s free (and without commitment) to all artists and creatives operating a professional practice in the Leeds area.

FAQs

  • It’s a drop in session (you don’t need to be there at the start).
  • You don’t need to contribute or turn your camera on – you can just observe
  • It operates as a safer space.

Information on claiming benefits

This is information on benefits for people of working age who are unemployed or on a low income.

Disclaimer: I am not an expert on benefits and the situation continues to change so please check.

Universal Credit

This is a means tested benefit for people who are unemployed or on a low income and have savings or capital of under £16,000.

It replaces previous means tested benefits such as income based Job Seekers Allowance and income based Employment and Support Allowance.

If you are currently claiming Tax Credits get advice before claiming Universal Credit as some people may get less money.

If you have a partner, their income and savings will be taken into account. You need to jointly have under £16,000 of savings or capital between you.

You get the full amount if you have savings or capital of up to £6,000, after that the amount tapers off and stops if you have £16,000 or more. A property you live in does not count but any property you own which you do not live in will normally count as capital.

There are some capital disregards listed here: http://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2019-0465/Capital_disregards_v11.0.pdf

Universal Credit covers your living expenses and rent expenses. If you receive Universal Credit you may also get help with paying your Council Tax and free prescriptions depending on your income.

Previously it was assumed that once you have been in self-employment for 12 months you would have been working for a certain number of hours each week and earning at least minimum wage for those hours. This would typically have been 35 hours but may be reduced if you have caring responsibilities, children or a disability it could be less. This is the ‘minimum income floor’ and has been relaxed for the coronavirus outbreak.

The Prime Minister announced on 20th March 2020 that there will be an increase of £1,000 per year for Universal Credit to bring Universal Credit in line with the payments for Statutory Sick Pay which employed people can get.

If you pay a mortgage you may be able to receive help to pay towards your mortgage interest after you have been claiming for 39 weeks but it will be a loan which you will have to pay back.

If you pay rent you can claim Local Housing Allowance which is part of Universal Credit.

The Prime Minister announced on 20th March 2020 that the rent allowance has been increased to cover the cost of the lowest 30% of rents in your area, it had previously been frozen.

There is more information here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-housing-allowance

Most people can claim online. There is more information about Universal Credit and how to claim here: https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/

Contributory benefits

If you can’t claim Universal Credit you may be able to claim contributory benefits instead.

These are for people who have paid enough National Insurance in the past two to three years. National Insurance credits count – you get these if you are claiming out of work benefits.

Contributory Job Seekers Allowance

These are based on whether you have paid enough National Insurance contributions in the last two to three years. If you were employed and have paid Class 1 National Insurance contributions you can claim contributory Job Seekers Allowance for six months. Self employed Class 2 National Insurance contributions do not count. You need to be actively seeking work.

There is some more information here: https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance

Contributory Employment and Support Allowance

Both Class 1 and Class 2 National Insurance Contributions count towards claiming Employment and Support Allowance. You can only claim this if you are unable to work.

Note that coronavirus (Corvid 19) is a notifiable illness so you will automatically get Employment and Support Allowance if you have this. 

The benefit is payable from day one of your illness during the coronavirus outbreak.   

If you remain ill, you will get the benefit for three months after which you will have an assessment to decide if you need to be in the Work Related Activity Group or Support Group.

You can claim contributory Employment and Support Allowance for up to a year in total if you are placed in the Work Related Activity Group or indefinitely if you are placed in the Support Group. 

You need to fill in a claim form which has a series of descriptors which score you points. You need to score 15 points to get in the Work Related Activity Group, or satisfy one of the descriptors for the Support Group (these are most of the descriptors which attract 15 points).

You are allowed to do a small amount of work, no more than 16 hours of work per week and earn no more than the equivalent of 16 hours of work at minimum wage. This is known as Permitted Work and you need to ask for permission to do this.

There is some more information here: https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance

Benefits calculators

If you want to find out how much you will get you can use a benefits calculator here: https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Note that these may not yet have been updated to take into account the new announcements by the Prime Minister on 21st Match 2020 and they will not include any contributory benefits, only means tested benefits.

If you are in any doubt, apply for benefits anyway. Every year millions of pounds worth of benefits go unclaimed.

Keep well – keep in contact

One of the things we want to do in the current crisis is signpost resources and suggestions  for ensuring we all retain our wellbeing (wherever possible); so we’ll be sharing ideas and resources which you may find useful at this time.

Our first post is a couple of suggestions as to how you can be sociable while socially isolating.

Keep in contact - wellness guidance #1

For one, many of us would benefit in spending less time on Facebook and more communicating with each other directly – either in text typing (messenger or WhatsApp) or, even better in conversation – phone or either of the above – however nothing beats face to face; and here are our suggestions:-

Virtual coffee or tea break

Get a zoom.us app* and invite a few friends to join you for a cuppa; we suggest you avoid discussing woeful stuff – but maybe find out how everyone is coping and adapting to changing situations – if anyone is self isolating, can you help them? Is there a collaborative project you could do or maybe mini TED talks between friends – helping people learn a bit more about your world or life? Maybe even do activities together – virtual gym class, anyone?

You could add these sessions regularly into your day to create structure and cheer up the friends you invite. 

*On the free account meetings are limited to 40 minutes, and other solutions are available.

Meetings in the park

While we’re mostly still able to get out – but maybe wary of being in each other’s homes – why not have meetings outdoors – in the park, the woods, by the river/canal, in a garden or just along the street. Getting out, doing light exercise and interacting with a friend / neighbour (at a safe distance) is a great way to provide the stimulus we may be missing right now.

We’re very interested to hear how you’re coping with the changing world – please let us know by email or via social media.

Introducing – creative surgeries

Struggling with ‘new year, new you’ projects – or just looking for some practical advice on next steps?

As another new feature for 2020 Leeds Creative Timebank are now offering members the option of short, surgery-style, support sessions to help kick-start a project or identify the next step in their practice.

Creative Surgeries Promotional Panel

Members with specialist expertise in mentoring, practice development or other specific skills will arrange to be at a defined location. Any of our members can ask for advice or guidance on a specific query.

Booking is recommended but may not be required; to book in advance please use the form below.

FAQs

  • What is the format?
    Generally discussions will be held in a discussion format – with all attending able to contribute. However if you wish to have a private conversation that can be accommodated.
  • Who leads the sessions?
    The surgery leaders will be long-standing members with specialist expertise in mentoring and/or a specialist subject (depending on the surgery type). The nature of the event will define who is leading the session.
  • How will we find you at the event?
    The locations we are choosing are intentionally informal – but this also means we cannot always reserve a location. We will update the related Facebook event to let you know.
  • How do surgery transactions work?
    Anyone raising a query will pay a quarter hour for the support they get. If you provide advice in return the surgery leader may appoint you
  • Can I come along without a query?
    Yes, we welcome inquisitive people. If you arrive and then identify something you wish to ask about at the surgery (and there’s time) we’ll happily review it.

If you have any other questions or comments please don’t hesitate to raise them with us.

Our first planned surgery events are:

Marketing and Communications
Tuesday 11th February – 7pm – 8pm at The 3 Hulats, Chapel Allerton)
Tuesday 10th March – 7pm – 8pm at The 3 Hulats, Chapel Allerton)

General Mentoring / Getting the most from the Timebank
Tuesday 25th February – 6pm – 8pm at Kapow Coffee, Thornton’s Arcade)

For more information on these events, the format or the type of support you can get – click through to the associated page (above)

Apologies – our form isn’t working; please email us instead.

Management Group update

This post is a bit of a general update to the management team of Leeds Creative Timebank – to provide an update, introduce new faces and invite nominations for a new.

Some of you will know that 2020 is a celebration of completing ten years of timebanking and, along with looking at ways we can celebrate a decade of supporting creative activity in the area, it was agreed that a general review of how the Timebank is managed should be undertaken 

The management group agreed that the best way to ensure we are best positioned for the next 10 years was to define dedicated roles with responsibilities. The three initial roles (which will always have a seat on the management team) are operations, communications and members. In addition to these other members of the management group have an ongoing brief in respect of our strategic direction and links with external organisations.

These new roles are, between them, charged with ensuring the Timebank operates efficiently on a day-to-day basis – between them they also provide feedback to the management group to ensure key strategic decisions can be made effectively.

Operations

Lynette Willoughby has for a long time being the main force managing the Timebrokers, delivering member inductions, recording transactions. She will continue to do this, along with ensuring we also remain financially healthy. This is largely creating a role to formally recognise all the hard work and dedication Lynette has already brought to the Timebank; but also to give responsibility to clarify where day-to-day decision-making responsibility sits. Lynette will also have responsibility for ensuring our systems are optimised for our needs.

Following a successful prototype bringing venues in as associate members with Centre for Live Arts Yorkshire (CLAY, formerly Live Arts Bistro – LAB) Vanessa Mudd has recently joined the team looking into how we can develop closer and better Timebank integration with local venues and spaces – our first Spacebroker. 

Communications

Member Jon Eland has joined the management team with the express remit of looking at how we talk about what we do – and ensuring it is fit for the next decade. His remit includes the content of the website, marketing planning and execution, our social media activity as well as looking at positive ways we can talk about the Timebank in the local area. Jon is already supported by members Sue Johnson and Zoe Parker.

Members

It was agreed that, for the Timebank to build on existing successes, we need a representative on the management team who has primary responsibility for listening to the membership. This will include finding out what issues they experience and what support they need from the Timebank. This role will work closely with both Lynette and Jon.

At present this role is not filled – if you are interested (or want to propose a fellow member)  we are looking at people who will really engage with the membership and develop this role – read more…

All 3 roles will receive payment in Timebank hours for the work they do on behalf of the organisation.

The team is now focused on both developing existing activity but also reshaping Leeds Creative Timebank into an organisation which will provide the support the local creative community needs.

See also: Short introductions to the Management Team.
For more questions / more information please contact us

Wanted: a member representative

With the review of how Leeds Creative Timebank currently works the management group wish to recruit a defined member representative alongside defined roles for operations and communications. 

The ideal person for the role will:

  • Be a self-starter and committed to improving how Leeds Creative Timebank supports its members.
  • Liaise with current members to ensure their voice / concerns are heard and effectively responded to.

The key objectives for this role are:

  • To provide a dedicated voice for the members on the management group
  • Ensure operations and communications activities are member-focused and representative
  • Review member processes (such as new member inductions)

Initially this role will be filled from initial proposals from members. Following this the process will be managed by the Management Group.

Please email us with your proposed Member representative (it can be yourself) along with a short description of why you think they should be in the role. Please also state whether or not they know you’re recommending them. 

Leeds Creative Timebank: We declare a Climate Emergency

Let’s take the words off the page and kick-start actions!

Leeds Creative Timebank declares a Climate Emergency

This Lightbulb Moment event is delivered in partnership with Hannah Directory and Zero Carbon Yorkshire and features speakers from Zero Carbon Yorkshire and the Leeds Creative Timebank membership.

4th February 2020

Register on Facebook

Why declare a Climate Emergency now?

Humanity faces the combined catastrophes of climate change, a mass extinction of vital biodiversity and a degradation of the ecosystem’s health.

This has become an emergency situation because governments and industry have not shown the necessary leadership, and have not acted fast enough. We are not waiting for more efficient wind-turbines or cheaper solar-panels. What is lacking is visionary leadership.

Humans are fortunately capable of responding in a remarkable variety of ways to accelerate climate solutions and adaptations, and culture can help stir up human response as well as creating new stories and visions for our world.

Leeds Creative Timebank has aligned with a wide range of arts and cultural institutions and individual practitioners and declared its commitment to using its social and cultural resources as a platform and model for accelerating change.

There is no planet B

Looking back to the inception of the Timebank – as a cultural response to the 2008 banking crisis – we want now to invite members to share their experiences, practice and knowledge to connect together to:

  • inform ourselves with current information and data to help present the case 
  • share individual or other collective practice that offer resistance and
  • co-produce strategies and tactics for the arts and wider society.

We hope a number of member-led actions (workshops, exhibitions, performances, narratives etc) will emerge from this initial session and be a catalyst for further events and activity.

So come along and be part of practical actions emerging to declare a climate emergency!

 This event is in partnership with Zero Carbon Yorkshire and Hannah Directory. 

  • Tuesday 4th February – 6.30-8.30pm
  • Centre for Live Art Yorkshire (CLAY) – formerly Live Arts Bistro (LAB)
    2 Regent St, Leeds LS2 7QA
  • Please bring food to share. There will be a pay bar.
Register on Facebook

Solstice Social

Solstice Social - Thursday 17th December

We’re inviting everyone to join us for a social – at one of our members’ spaces the brilliant Centre for Live Arts Yorkshire (CLAY).

Meet members, catch up with old friends, make new ones and have a drink.

As well as taking the opportunity to socialise we’d love to tell you about our recent visit to Scotland and share some of the questions that were raised about time banking. We would also welcome any questions or ideas you may have about the future of Leeds Creative Timebank.

Here’s a provocation to kick things off…

Who decides? And who decides who decides?

  • All welcome – members, their friends and any creatives interested in the Timebank. You are welcome to bring snacks to share if you’d like.
    Timebank members will gain two time credits for attending.
  • Tuesday 17th December
    Doors open from 6pm – things will be getting going at around 7pm.
  • Centre for Live Arts Yorkshire (CLAY) – formerly Live Arts Bistro (LAB)
    Regent Street, Leeds LS27QA