A Brief History with Highlights Over 20 Years (2005–2025)
Some Background
The story of Regents Park Time Bank (RPTB) begins in 2001, during a time of significant demographic shifts in the Regents Park Ward. These changes transformed a predominantly White, Working-Class community into one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse areas in London, bringing new challenges and opportunities. To address these evolving needs, organisations recognised the importance of involving not just individuals but entire families and extended networks in building a cohesive community.
Today, Regents Park Ward stands as Camden’s most diverse neighbourhood, and RPTB continues to thrive as a key resource for fostering connection, mutual support, and understanding among its residents.
RPTB 1st 10 Years Review
The RPTB 1st 10 Years Review is a celebratory retrospective that captures the milestones, achievements, and impact of the Regents Park Time Bank during its first decade as a registered charity. This document highlights the efforts and dedication of RPTB in fostering community spirit, mutual support, and meaningful partnerships. It serves as a testament to the power of time banking in bringing diverse individuals together to create a resilient and thriving community.
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The Early Years
In 2003, The Third Age Project (TAP) secured a £20,000 grant from Abbey Bank to establish what was then called the West Euston Time Bank (WETB). It was the first time bank in Camden and the first in the UK to be registered as an independent charity. The initial committee included equal representation from third-agers and local families, with a Somali woman as its first chair. In 2005, WETB was honoured as Camden’s Volunteering Organisation of the Year, with comedian Victoria Wood presenting the award.
Abbey Bank, later succeeded by Santander Bank PLC, was a key supporter, sponsoring initiatives like the Afterschool Clubs launched in 2009. Government funding through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) enabled significant development work, including the employment of a part-time development worker, resident training, and a host of inclusive community events.
Growth and Evolution
After an initial phase at the Crypt Centre in Munster Square, WETB established offices at the Samuel Lithgow Youth Centre and later the H Pod in Cumberland Market. In 2018, the organisation moved to the premises of The Third Age Project and rebranded as Regents Park Time Bank (RPTB) to better reflect its local identity. Shahanara Begum, RPTB’s dedicated family worker, played a pivotal role during her 17-year tenure (2007–2024).
Community Engagement
RPTB’s membership has always reflected the area’s diversity. For example, Bangladeshi women—a significant proportion of members—organised initiatives like swimming and singing groups. Saida Egal, a local Somali woman, served as RPTB’s first chair, further highlighting the community’s inclusivity.
The Wellcome Trust and Other Key Supporters
The Wellcome Trust, RPTB’s largest funder for six years, enabled major science and learning projects, including three highly successful Midsummer Picnics, each attended by over 500 residents. RPTB’s partnerships with Camden’s Adult Community Learning (ACL) programmes have provided crucial gateways into education, training, and employment, particularly through ESOL classes.
A Time to Grow and Growing Communities
“A Time to Grow” and subsequently “Growing Communities” were two immensely successful gardening projects created by fencing off a part of Cumberland Market Open Space in the middle of the Regents Park Estate to create 35 raised beds for growing vegetables, herbs and edible flowers maintained with time bank volunteers. It involved running training programmes and supporting residents interested in getting involved. A high-point for the project was a Midsummer Picnic Event with the erection of a huge marquee on Cumberland Market and the distribution of dozens of window boxes and pot plants with 600 local residents attending.
Supporting Local Families
RPTB’s Afterschool Clubs, initially based at the Crypt in Munster Square and later at the H Pod, provided essential support for children aged 8 to 11. Sponsored by BBC Children in Need, these clubs were led by Wendy Benjamin, a popular teacher who brought a wealth of experience from her time on the remote island of St. Helena.
Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, RPTB partnered with TAP to operate an Emergency Community Response Hub. From March to September 2020, the hub:
In December 2020, the hub provided 63 family hampers and 170 Christmas presents for children. Many young adults on furlough volunteered, ensuring the success of this critical initiative.
Active All Areas: Engaging Through Sports and Physical Activity
RPTB ran a major physical activity and sports programme over four years as a key consortium member in a borough-wide Active All Areas project funded by the Sports Council and coordinated by Camden Council. Our activity programmes involved coordinating several local delivery partners and delivering a wide range of different major sports and physical exercise sessions. Over the period of the initiative, 895 residents regarded as previously physically inactive (77%) were engaged in at least one regular course of physical activity. Several new clubs were started, including Bengali men’s badminton, girls’ basketball, and a highly successful older person’s boccia team, among others.
Family Activity Programmes
Launched in 2007, RPTB’s Family Activity Programmes have become a cornerstone of its work. The 2024 program, its 18th edition, welcomed 64 families (37 new members) and 122 children under 12. Over six weeks, participants engaged in 79 activities and trips, with 95% of families reporting no prior registration with other playschemes.
Milestones Over the Years
WETB becomes Camden’s Volunteering Organisation of the Year.
Launch of the first Family Activity Program.
Start of Afterschool Clubs at the Crypt.
Rebranding as Regents Park Time Bank.
Operation of the COVID-19 Emergency Community Response Hub.
Completion of the 18th Family Activity Program.
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