--- title: Social Impact Report | TimeBank Ireland description: The full 2023 Social Impact Study for hOUR Timebank — independent SROI analysis showing €16 social return for every €1 invested. canonical: https://hour-timebank.ie/impact-report generated: 2026-09-14T06:20:24.530Z ---# Social Impact Study hOUR Timebank — 2023 An independent Social Return on Investment analysis evaluating the social, economic, and community impact of Timebanking Ireland's hOUR Timebank programme. [Download Full Report](https://api.project-nexus.ie/uploads/tenants/hour-timebank/TBI-Social-Impact-Study-Final-Full-Report-May-23.pdf) [Executive Summary](https://api.project-nexus.ie/uploads/tenants/hour-timebank/TBI-Social-Impact-Study-Executive-Summary-Design-Version-Final.pdf) ## Contents 1 Introduction & Context 2 Literature Review 3 TBI Activity 2021–22 4 Impact & Demographics 5 SROI Calculation 6 Discussion & Learning 7 Recommendations Section 1 ## Introduction & Context This study was commissioned by Timebanking Ireland to evaluate the social impact and return on investment of the hOUR Timebank programme. Conducted by an independent research team, the analysis covers the period 2021–22 and uses the Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework to quantify both economic and social outcomes. ### Study Objectives - Quantify the social and economic value created by the hOUR Timebank - Assess participant wellbeing outcomes using validated measurement tools - Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the timebanking model for public funding - Document the referral pathway and engagement process - Provide evidence-based recommendations for programme expansion Case Study Monica “ I was referred by my GP after a really difficult year. The timebank gave me purpose — I started helping with gardening and before I knew it, I had a whole network of friends. It genuinely changed my life. ” Section 2 ## Literature Review The research draws on extensive evidence connecting timebanking to established frameworks in social capital theory, community resilience, and public health outcomes. #### Social Capital Theory Putnam's bridging and bonding capital; how timebanking creates trust networks across demographic boundaries. #### Wellbeing Frameworks WHO-5 and WEMWBS measurement tools; evidence for subjective wellbeing improvements through reciprocal exchange. #### Community Resilience How mutual aid models strengthen community response to health crises, economic disruption, and social isolation. #### SROI Methodology The New Economics Foundation framework for valuing social outcomes using financial proxy indicators. Section 3 ## TBI Activity 2021–22 During the study period, hOUR Timebank recorded significant activity across its member network, demonstrating sustained engagement and growth. Metric Value Total registered members 161 Active exchanges 847 New members joined (period) 64 Hours exchanged 2,340 Data covers the period September 2021 to August 2022. Active exchanges include both one-to-one and group exchanges recorded through the platform. Section 4 ## Impact & Demographics ### Member Demographics The hOUR Timebank serves a diverse membership spanning all adult age groups, with particularly strong engagement from the 45–64 age bracket. The gender split is 62% female, 38% male. Age 18–34 12% Age 35–44 18% Age 45–64 42% Age 65+ 28% ### Social Connection 95% of members report feeling significantly more socially connected since joining the timebank. ### Personal Wellbeing 100% of members report improved mental health and personal wellbeing after participation. Case Study Elaine “ I joined after retirement and didn't know what to expect. Within weeks I was teaching computer skills and getting lifts to appointments. It's not charity — it's community. ” Section 5 ## SROI Calculation ### Social Return on Investment €16 : €1 For every €1 invested in hOUR Timebank, €16.06 of social value is generated. This figure accounts for deadweight, attribution, and displacement. ### SROI Breakdown Component Value Total Investment (Input) €50,000 Total Present Value of Outcomes €803,184 Net Social Value €753,184 SROI Ratio €16.06 : €1 This SROI ratio of 16:1 significantly exceeds the benchmark for community development programmes, which typically range from 2:1 to 5:1. The high ratio reflects the leveraged nature of timebanking — modest financial input generates extensive volunteer-driven social activity. Section 6 ## Discussion & Learning The study identifies several factors that contribute to the exceptionally high SROI and the programme's effectiveness as a community development model. #### Volunteer Multiplier Effect Small paid coordination generates large volumes of volunteer exchange, amplifying the social return on each euro of core funding invested. #### Social Prescribing Alignment The managed referral pathway provides a structured alternative for GPs and social prescribers, reducing demand on clinical mental health services. #### Reciprocity as Engagement Driver The give-and-receive model overcomes the stigma of "needing help" and drives sustained participation compared to traditional volunteering. #### Digital Platform Efficiency The online matching platform reduces coordination overhead and enables members to arrange exchanges independently, increasing scalability. Section 7 ## Recommendations # Recommendation Priority 1 Secure multi-year core funding to ensure programme continuity and reduce annual grant dependency. Critical 2 Expand the social prescribing referral pathway in partnership with HSE primary care teams. High 3 Launch at least 3 new community chapters in underserved areas within 24 months. High 4 Develop corporate partnership programme targeting CSR-aligned organisations. Medium 5 Invest in platform development to support multi-community federation and data reporting. Medium 6 Commission a follow-up longitudinal study to track long-term health and wellbeing outcomes. Medium ## Related Pages Timebanking Guide How timebanking works Partner With Us Partnership opportunities Social Prescribing Evidence-based referral pathway Our Impact Social return on investment Strategic Plan 2026–2030 roadmap ## Access the Full Research Download the complete study with full methodology, data tables, and detailed analysis. [Download Full Report](https://api.project-nexus.ie/uploads/tenants/hour-timebank/TBI-Social-Impact-Study-Final-Full-Report-May-23.pdf) [Executive Summary](https://api.project-nexus.ie/uploads/tenants/hour-timebank/TBI-Social-Impact-Study-Executive-Summary-Design-Version-Final.pdf) Questions about the research? [Contact Us](/contact)