The return of a charity initiative is helping to bring people together.

Voluntary Action Epping Forest (VAEF) has reintroduced its “Time Banking” project following the injection of new funding from Essex County Council and the appointment of an organiser.

Marc Balkham is the new project co-ordinator for Epping Forest Time Bank, which helps bring people together for a mutual exchange of skills.

People in the district are invited to request help for a specific problem from VAEF, who then direct the volunteer with the correct skills to the task.

This skill required could be anything, from computing to gardening.

Any hours volunteered are then “banked”, and the volunteer can request assistance themselves if they have a similar situation requiring help.

VAEF say that the volunteering role is far more flexible than usual, and invites anyone from the district to join the service.

For more information, phone 01992 564 256 or email volunteering@vaef.org.uk.