Benefits for younger people

Skills

• Problem solving and decision making.
• Creative and critical thinking.
• Collaboration, communication and negotiation.
• Researching and evaluating information.
• Flexibility and adaptability.

Opportunities

• Increases social networks.
• Builds employment and career networks.
• Increases aspirations.
• Gives sense of purpose and value.
• Contributes to ongoing community participation.

Knowledge

• Improves engagement in learning and academic achievement.
• Strengthens understanding of local history.
• Increases knowledge of community issues and cultures.
• Builds social awareness and responsibility.
• Increases empathy and respect for older people’s experiences and achievements.

Health and wellbeing

• Improves physical and mental health.
• Gives a sense of belonging.
• Builds resilience, optimism, positivity and enjoyment of life.
• Increases access to trusted adults.
• Diverts from violence, anti-social and risk-taking behaviour.

Benefits for older people

Skills

• Improves social skills.
• Improves ability to use new technologies.
• Enhances parenting skills.

Opportunities

• Chances to keep learning.
• Respect and recognition from others in community.
• Builds new friendships and social networks.
• Passes on traditions and knowledge.
• Chance to have fun!

Knowledge

• Learn about young people.
• Discover different ideas and cultures.
• Understand new technologies.
• Keep up to date with current trends.

Health and wellbeing

• Improves mood and boosts energy.
• Better physical and mental health.
• Increases sense of worth and self-esteem.
• Increases optimism, positivity and enjoyment of life.

Benefits for communities

• Builds mutual respect, understanding and social cohesion.
• Develops local culture and community history.
• Takes pressures off schools and parents.
• Encourages civic pride, responsibility and attachment to local area.
• Maintains and revitalises community facilities and public infrastructure.
• Reduces crime and anti-social behaviour.
• Improves community health.
• Increases care for local environment.
• Encourages local volunteering.

Benefits for local services (especially local government)

• Improves service commissioning and design.
• Informs better planning and decision making.
• Increases use of services by young people.
• Increases efficacy of services.
• Improves customer service to whole community.