Streetbank

Tell us your Streetbank story!

Thu, 27 Apr 2017 12:00:00 GMT

Tell us the difference that Streetbank has made to you! It would mean a lot to us to hear – and it can be tiny – perhaps something useful that a neighbour has given you – or it can be big, like a friendship that you have made.

Review our short Streetbank films

Fri, 16 Sep 2016 12:00:00 GMT

We are delighted to share with you now the winning and runner-up entries “The Skate Escape”, and “Ribbons”.

Even better than magic cars

Fri, 06 May 2016 12:00:00 GMT

A recent BBC News feature presented an exciting future of streets without cars, of streets given over to orchards, of spaces for neighbours to talk, of mini utopias. All enabled by self-driving cars that can be summoned to your door.

A Big Change for Streetbank

Wed, 30 Mar 2016 12:00:00 GMT

Over the last couple of months the team here at Streetbank HQ have been working on a BIG CHANGE to Streetbank.

An antidote to Christmas consumer madness

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 12:00:00 GMT

Last year, my colleague, Kate was inspired by a documentary called My Stuff to give away one of her possessions every day in the run up to Christmas. She wanted to rethink the relationship she had with her things.

The Streetbank challenge: 7 things, 7 days

Wed, 20 May 2015 12:00:00 GMT

Global Sharing Week is the world's largest people-driven campaign to raise awareness of the rapidly growing Sharing Economy. It’s an opportunity for organisations like ours and lovely people like you, to shout about what we’re doing to be more resourceful - and all the weird and wonderful things that we’re sharing!

Can’t decide who to vote for? Here’s a thought to help you decide…

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:00:00 GMT

I’ve spent the morning reading the three main parties plans as I wanted to know how they expect to strengthen communities.

A Streetbank Live first!

Tue, 14 Apr 2015 12:00:00 GMT

Streetbank is being used by thousands of people in over 80 countries worldwide. Everyday people are meeting to part with something they no longer need or to get hold of something they do – as well as to lend a neighbourly hand with things like dog-walking and DIY. But in some areas, Streetbank is yet to take off.

A day of toys, vintage clothes, garden veg and jam

Fri, 10 Apr 2015 12:00:00 GMT

I caught my first smell of barbeque yesterday as I cycled home. It sparked a sense of excitement. Summer is near!

Streetbank and Streetclub join forces

Tue, 31 Mar 2015 12:00:00 GMT

Streetbank and Streetclub join forces to become the ‘go-to’ for neighbourhood sharing

Giving up power to create change

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 12:00:00 GMT

This Saturday at 8.30pm local time it’s Earth Hour. 7,000 cities around the world will be switching off the lights that light up their most iconic buildings.

A metro or a polo?

Tue, 10 Mar 2015 12:00:00 GMT

Do you fancy a challenge? One that might disturb your sense that you are just fine as you are…?

…if so, read on.

Introducing Streetbank Live!

Wed, 18 Feb 2015 12:00:00 GMT

This time last year, our friends Taz and Anna from the Nehemiah Foundation felt that many communities around the country, including their own, seemed to have lost their community spirit. They felt it was time to break down those barriers and create a bright, caring and sharing community for the benefit of all.

Short of cash - but not of Shortbread!

Thu, 12 Feb 2015 12:00:00 GMT

Our friend Taz from the Nehemiah Foundation called us from Burnley with a lovely story the other day. Taz has been promoting Streetbank in her neighbourhood and was excited because good things had started happening.

The Wisdom of Solomon

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 12:00:00 GMT

I’ve just been offering a fondue set to my neighbours on Streetbank.

I wasn’t sure it would be to everyone’s liking but I quickly had four requests - and that leaves me with a dilemma.

Maya shares all...

Fri, 09 Jan 2015 12:00:00 GMT

The benefits of using Streetbank are not always expected. You might anticipate that you’ll save a few quid by picking up an unwanted microwave, or that you’ll feel good knowing that you prevented it going to landfill…. But there are sometimes other unexpected consequences.

A surprising way to make yourself feel good

Mon, 22 Dec 2014 12:00:00 GMT

What are your resolutions for 2015? Less food, caffeine, "screen-time".... more exercise?

Reverse Advent Challenge - one Streetie's experience

Fri, 19 Dec 2014 12:00:00 GMT

Richard from Camden describes his experience of taking the Reverse Advent Challenge

I have a reputation for being something of a Christmas "Grinch". While most people are getting excited as Christmas approaches, I find myself increasingly wound up into a froth of environmental and anti-consumerist angst.

Give-a-thing-away-a-day: my advent challenge

Wed, 12 Nov 2014 12:00:00 GMT

In September, I went to a film screening at the Hackney Picturehouse of My Stuff, a film about Petri Luukkainen, a 26-year old man from Finland that decides to put all of his stuff in storage and only take one item back per day, for a year. Going through an existential crisis at the point of making this decision, Luukkainen hoped that he might be able to rebuild his life through this human experiment.

But how does Streetbank make money?!

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 12:00:00 GMT

One of the first things people ask about Streetbank is “how do you make money?” It’s an excellent question

Let the numbers do the talking?

Wed, 05 Nov 2014 12:00:00 GMT

We’ve been busy gathering stories over the past four years – like the one about Bob from Tonbridge who through Streebank struck a firm friendship with his elderly neighbour, Jill after sorting her garden and setting up her laptop or Richard from Oxfordshire who has used Streetbank to build his confidence and tackle his mental health issues.

But sometimes we find that people are dismissive of stories. They want numbers.

The Big Lunch just got bigger: FREE training for volunteers at the Eden Project

Mon, 03 Nov 2014 12:00:00 GMT

The Big Lunch is the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours, an idea from the Eden Project made possible by The Big Lottery Fund. The perfect recipe for having fun with your neighbours, The Big Lunch is a very simple idea that calls on communities to host their own Big Lunch events – this year on Sunday June 7^th 2015.

One man’s skill – another’s pleasure?

Fri, 24 Oct 2014 12:00:00 GMT

Last weekend I helped my Streetbank neighbour to bring a bit more order to her flat. We did some cleaning but mostly organising; chucking things out, finding homes for things, categorising books and files and so on.

Anna Walsh from Leicester describes kick-starting Streetbank in her neighbourhood

Tue, 21 Oct 2014 12:00:00 GMT

Belgrave is a neighbourhood to the north of Leicester city centre, and where I live and work. It’s known for the ‘Golden Mile’ of Indian restaurants, sari and jewellery shops – and for its events and celebrations.

Not sure what to share? Get some Inspiration!

Wed, 15 Oct 2014 12:00:00 GMT

It’s easy to appreciate the logic of joining a platform like Streetbank where neighbours generously share things and skills with each other (and help build a stronger community in the process!).

Streetbank meet-up anyone?

Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:00:00 GMT

This year, we started to see Streetbank members taking to the streets and organising get-togethers in all different guises with neighbours. Group cycles, seed planting, street parties and meet-ups in pubs and cafes.

How to grow Streetbank anywhere in the world

Mon, 06 Oct 2014 12:00:00 GMT

Since July this year, over 15,000 new members have joined the Streetbank movement across the Arab world – following a Streetbank feature on Ahmad Alshugairi’s programme Khawa6er.

It’s been hugely exciting for us in the Streetbank office in London to watch things growing internationally and to be forging links with people in cities such as Cairo, Dubai and Amman…

In Cairo, Rana and Karim are championing Streetbank and there are now over 900 people sharing across the city and hundreds more across Egypt.

Technical problems - September 22nd

Mon, 22 Sep 2014 12:00:00 GMT

Over the last couple of days Streetbank has been suffering from a bug. It means that some emails have been delayed and some posts aren’t appearing in your neighbourhood news feed. We are working on the problem and everything should be fixed soon.

A proud day for Streetbank…and for social innovation. Meet the New Radicals

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 12:00:00 GMT

For the third year running, the UK’s innovation foundation Nesta has joined forces with The Observer to compile a list of the fifty people and organisations changing society for the better. It goes without saying that we are absolutely delighted to be amongst the social entrepreneurs and innovators identified by Nesta and The Observer as this year’s 50 New Radicals.

Live in London? Fancy a freebie?

Wed, 27 Aug 2014 12:00:00 GMT

As the summer comes to an end and many of us prepare for back to work or school, now’s the time to get rid of the stuff you no longer need….and pick up something you do. All for free at one of our upcoming Give and Take events in partnership with Camden Council.

Three top ways to help you become a Zero Hero

Wed, 20 Aug 2014 12:00:00 GMT

This year, the theme of Zero Waste Week (1-7 September) is ‘One More Thing’, an opportunity to ask ourselves what one thing we could do to cut our waste and make a big difference. So what could you commit to doing for zero waste week? We’ve put together three ideas to help you become a zero hero:

Hello Cairo, Jeddah, Amman, Riyadh, Dubai and Casablanca!

Sat, 26 Jul 2014 12:00:00 GMT

Welcome to all those who have joined in response to Ahmad Alshugairi’s programme Khawa6er!

In less than 48hours more than 7,100 Streetbank members have joined us and already, many of you are sharing things with your neighbours – things like DVDs, books and camping equipment - and discovering just how generous your neighbours can be.

Top Three Reasons to Fill Your House For Free with Streetbank

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 12:00:00 GMT

Tonight, Streetbank is appearing on Channel 4's second series of Fill Your House For Free with Kirstie Allsopp – what better excuse could there be than that to select our top three reasons to fill your house for free with Streetbank?!

A meet-up of minds: Streetbank get-together in Russell Square

Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:00:00 GMT

This Monday night was a first for us. We invited Streetbank members from across London to join us in the middle of Russell Square – come rain or shine – for a meet-up. It was a chance for us to say thank you to some of our members, because without you and your neighbours, Streetbank is just a website. It’s the 41,124 people sharing 51,723 things that makes it special.

Make money from your car when you're not driving!

Fri, 30 May 2014 12:00:00 GMT

Last week I signed up my Little Red Polo to a great new service called easyCar Club so that my neighbours can rent my car. On Saturday morning I had my first taker. Samantha needed it over the weekend and had asked whether she could bring her spaniel. She put down a rug and give it a quick hoover afterwards.

Sharing’s as Easy as Pie in Tower Hamlets, Brighton and Islington!

Wed, 21 May 2014 12:00:00 GMT

The welcoming residents of The Robin Hood Garden’s Social Housing Estate came together in Poplar, Tower Hamlets on Saturday 17^th May 2014 to enjoy a free Streetie-Pie party thanks to our friends at Higgidy. This was the first of five competition-winning parties taking place this summer, followed soon after by equally fantastic events in Brighton and Islington.

Do you want to join the Streetbank team?

Wed, 07 May 2014 12:00:00 GMT

Would you like the challenge of helping to scale Streetbank - a pioneering website that helps people to connect with their neighbourhood and save money, and which is good for the environment?

We’re currently recruiting for a Communities Coordinator Intern to join our small, friendly team, so if you think that could be you and want to find out more, please read on...

STREETBEATS! Gig and Fundraiser Saturday 10 May

Mon, 07 Apr 2014 12:00:00 GMT

Londoners! Come along to a night of explosive beats, mischief and revelry to help raise key funds for www.streetbank.com - all thanks to our friends at the award-winning Forge Music Venue in Camden, on Saturday 10 May from 7.30pm.

Streetie-Pie Party Competition with Higgidy

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 12:00:00 GMT

Our friends at Higgidy think community and friendship are just as important as we do here at Streetbank. So we’ve teamed up to help three lucky Streetbank members hold a special Pie Party to bring your neighbours together this summer.

Streetie-Pie Party Competition - Terms and Conditions

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 12:00:00 GMT

If you're keen to get your hands on a ready-made Pie Party kit for you and your neighbours, make sure you've read the competition Terms and Conditions before you submit your entry.

Food Glorious Food

Fri, 28 Feb 2014 12:00:00 GMT

I’ve just come back from Istanbul, land of the pomegranate, and have been thinking about the importance of food to a culture and to communities. This week, we therefore wanted to shine a spotlight on some of our favourite projects that use food as a way to connect people together.

I'm sharing my....

Fri, 14 Feb 2014 12:00:00 GMT

We're asking for your help again. The ask is hopefully a fun one: could you take two minutes to create an “I’m sharing my…” photo? You'll see my cheesy effort below.

If so, we would be super grateful as we need lots of them for a one-minute fundraising video we're creating next week.

Fill Your House For Free are filming Streetbank this Thursday 6th Feb... and you're invited!

Tue, 04 Feb 2014 12:00:00 GMT

We’re running a special Give and Take in partnership with Camden Council this week at Clarence Hall, NW1 8RN, which may be filmed for Channel 4’s second series of Kirstie’s Fill Your House for Free.

Inspired by the Channel 4 programme, this event is about household items and furniture, but we won’t turn books, clothes, toys etc down. We cannot accept electrical items though unfortunately.

The one-stop shop for neighbourhood sharing is here!

Mon, 20 Jan 2014 12:00:00 GMT

Streetbank and Freeconomy unite to become the one-stop shop for neighbourhood sharing

The UK's two largest neighbourhood sharing projects - with members in over 184 countries - are uniting to become the one-stop shop for neighbourhood sharing. At a time when awareness of ecological and financial crises is acute, and calls for tackling social exclusion and loneliness are prevalent, projects like Streetbank and Freeconomy highlight a positive trend of altruism and help foster generosity in our communities through the simple act of lending, sharing skills and re-homing preloved items.

From now on, anyone visiting justfortheloveofit's website will be redirected to Streetbank, where they can sign up to become part of Streetbank's growing movement of neighbours sharing and giving away everything from baby clothes to furniture, harvest apples to baking skills, guitars to camping gear.

I'm sharing my wife!

Tue, 03 Dec 2013 12:00:00 GMT

In July this year, Richard MacKenzie, a former activist, father of three-year-old Bob and lover of all things community, signed up to Streetbank, to find there were just seven people in his mile.

Viewing ‘Love, connection, frugalism and minimalism’ as the most important things in life, neighbourhood sharing is right up Richard’s street, so he decided to embark on a journey to grow his Streetbank community.

Has love blossomed on Streetbank?

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 12:00:00 GMT

One kind Streetbank member is offering to give away her electronic stud detector. For a moment we got a bit excited: a machine? That tells you where the nearest studs are? Is this the answer to the world's dating problems?

Streetbank Santa

Thu, 14 Nov 2013 12:00:00 GMT

If you’re looking for a simple way to get your neighbours together this Christmas, Streetbank Santa could be just the thing.

Streetbank Santa is a version of secret Santa but with no shopping involved.

Our top tip is to keep it simple – it’s a busy time of year and you don’t want to put too much on your plate (other than mince pies, of course).

The Streetbank Santa Five Step Plan

Thu, 14 Nov 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Organising a Streetbank Santa is simple:

Decide who you want to invite (neighbours, colleagues, friends, family), where you want to host it (home, work, local café, school playground, community centre) and when.
Write invitations (by hand or email) to your guests inviting them to wrap up something of good quality that they no longer want, such as a DVD, toy or cookbook. We’ve put an invitation template here if you want to use it
Get your invitations out. If you can knock on people’s doors and invite them in person, they're more likely come, you’ll make a friend and they might just offer to help organise.
Get together to open your pre-loved gifts.
Start sharing things around - if you’ve received something you already have (two Lady Gaga albums might be taking things a bit far) or something that’s not quite right for your age (few 30 year-olds will admit wanting to keep the teddy bear), swap things with each other. Slightly chaotic and a lot of fun is the name of the game.

Giving neighbours a treat this Halloween

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Forget tricks, this Halloween was all about treats for Camden as we teamed up with GoodGym and took to the streets to spread some community spirit to the borough’s residents. Passers-by looked on with intrigue last night as a group of 13 runners sped through the streets of Camden delivering treats to households, including our very own Director of Marketing and Communications Kate.

Welcome to Streetbank!

Tue, 01 Oct 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Across the UK, people like you are creating a movement to share their things and skills with their neighbours. Together we are unlocking a new kind of wealth – a greener and friendlier kind.