Community-based learning also helps to build stronger communities; improve health and well-being; encourage a more tolerant society; and support active citizenship.
Since 2015, as part of our work for the European Agenda for Adult Learning, L&W and its partners across the UK have been researching and discussing the impact of adult learning. We have done this through the Impact Forums established in 2014 which meet in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales every quarter.
We have considered the all round impact of adult learning across the UK and the wider benefits it brings to people and the communities they live in. Our report – Healthy, Wealthy and Wise: the impact of adult learning across the UK – summarises key messages and case studies which were discussed at the Impact Forums.
In 2019, Learning and Work Institute commissioned key thinkers from further and adult education to consider the implications for leadership and workforce development of Healthy, Wealthy and Wise. The resulting publication Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise: Implications for workforce development identifies a range of economic and social policy challenges confronting the four nations today and explores how adult learning can make an important contribution to addressing these and promoting a fairer and more inclusive society.
Peer volunteering makes a distinctive contribution to bringing about change in communities. Approaches to impact measurement should be implemented with this in mind, to capture the full extent of the difference that they make. This leaflet can be printed out and used as a resource to promote measurement of peer volunteering.
Find out more about methods of reaching and engaging disadvantaged groups. The guide includes an appendix which highlights the barriers to learning identified in national and international research.