Frenchs Forest local Jean-Philippe Brianchon was inspired to create a free skill-sharing app after his beloved partner, Hassia, passed away.
There are many times in life where we just need someone to help us, without wanting to hire someone to do the job. You may need assistance lifting heavy furniture, putting together a resume, or even changing a washer on your tap.
Frenchs Forest local Jean-Philippe Brianchon has developed the SwapAnHour app which allows you to share skills – and get help in return – for free.
An idea 20 years in the making, Jean-Philippe was inspired to make the app when his partner, Hassia, was diagnosed with cancer. While the idea had been marinating in Jean-Philippe’s mind before then, it was Hassia who reminded him of it.
“The community around us helped us a lot (when she was sick),” Jean-Philippe said.
“So, she was the one to bring back that to my mind. She said, ‘What about the app you were speaking about a few years ago? You want to give it a go?”
Already working full-time in IT, Jean-Philippe nonetheless started designing the app in his spare time, often after his then young son was asleep. Sadly, Hassia passed away four years ago.
“She was so active (and) always helping people,” Jean-Philippe says. “She was an inspiration, to be honest. I’m glad she pushed me to do (it).”
SwapAnHour allows people to register services, goods, or donations they can provide. The services work like a ‘time banking’ system, where if you provide one hour, you get an hour back when you need it.
People also review the help given. Examples from the site include someone needing a photographer for a few hours, or to hem a dress. Every skill has equal value and no money changes hands.
Jean-Philippe says people are starting to see the benefit of the app, which he believes helps provide a connection which once existed in communities and has since been lost.
“To help someone, it takes a bit of kindness,” he says. “I think it’s a good app to get the people back together.”
Launched about two years ago, it has about 2,000 ‘swappers’ – mostly on the Northern Beaches – but anyone, anywhere in the world can use it.
The app is aimed at small services, and Jean-Philippe does monitor what is provided and blocks people who may use a service, but never provide one in return.
The app does all the hard work when you publish a task, Jean-Philippe says.
“We try to match the swappers with the skills you are looking for. You get rated when you help someone (so that) review can be read before you accept help.”
“To help someone, it takes a bit of kindness. “I think it’s a good app to get the people back together.”
Frenchs Forest’s Jean-Philippe Brianchon designed the SwapAnHour app to connect local communities.
Jean-Philippe has introduced a group function to the app also, so charities can use it for members only. This has generated some interest, he says.
While the services section is the main emphasis of the app, there is also a goods section for lending items, and a donations page which both work on the same premise.
Jean-Philippe does the app ‘on the side’ for no financial gain and wants more people to use it.
“I would love to get more people on board and for them to find the benefit of it,” he says. “(The concept) is basic and simple. It’s an hour for an hour.
“Helping each other with our time, energy and our many skills doesn’t just make the world better. It also makes you better.”
For more details, download SwapAnHour on Apple or Android devices.