The People's Bank

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New community lending website is launched

A new website which allows neighbours to lend, give away or share items is to officially launch next week after a successful trial in Hammersmith and Fulham.

Streetbank, co-founded by head-hunter Sam Stephens and IT consultant Ryan Davies, is described as 'the people’s bank', which aims to build community links, encourage sustainability and save people money through borrowing, giving away and sharing.

Residents wanting to take part need to sign up, enter their postcode, add one item they would be willing to lend or give away, and see all the items available within 1000 yards of their home. All for free.

So far, Streetbank users (streetbees) have lent each other vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, Lonely Planet guides and Batman costumes, they’ve given-away microwaves, sofas, rabbit-hutches, pianos, hedge-trimmers and freshly baked bread and helped each other to move house, weed gardens, apply for jobs and learn French.

“I think community can achieve the end of poverty. Nothing less than that,” says co-founder Sam Stephens. “I genuinely believe that - we can have access to the things we need and tackle loneliness if we’re just willing to cooperate with each other. If we act independently, we only have what we own and what our bank balance allows. When we cooperate the sky’s the limit!”

Mother-of-three Marianne cycled from Brussels to London for charity. Through Streetbank, she was lent a bike, a bike-carrier and learnt to repair a puncture.

Another Streetbank member, Karen Alexander, writes on her profile: “I love the idea of Streetbank. There've been times when I could've used an extra pair of hands to bring a new piece of furniture or a TV into the house, and would likewise be happy to do the same for my neighbours. Problem is - they don't know that! We seem to feel more awkward about asking for help from people we don't know. Hopefully this will allow us all to be there for each other!”

The launch takes place on Thursday 15th April at St Paul’s Church, Hammersmith from 6.15 – 9pm. Drinks and Higgidy pies will be served.

 

9 April 2010