Finding things to do and places to go isn't just about having a good time. Studies show that young people who enjoy just two hours of structured activities a week do better later on life. So get out, find something you're interested in and get active!
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Why Activities Matter
Taking part in activities is fun, and having fun is good for you. But there are lots of other benefits. A group of young people called Young Auditors, who look at the local offer of activities for young people aged 13-19 (up to 25 with learning difficulties and disabilities) identified some of the benefits they had from doing activities:
- Benefits my co-ordination and fitness
- Builds positive feelings and confidence
- Meeting and seeing friends which is really important to me
- Improves my social and leadership skills
- Pride in achievements and new skills
- Made me more enthusiastic regarding a future career
- Brought new career opportunities
- Improved my independence
Studies show that young people who take part in roughly two hours of organised leisure time activity weekly do better as they get older. You can see this in their social groups, their educational attainment and even in things like whether they get in trouble, or what jobs they have.
Instant Expert: Find out all about why activities matter from Activities Oxfordshire.