Valongo's Senior Participatory Budget gives older residents a direct voice in local decision-making, turning civic participation into a powerful tool against isolation and social exclusion.
GIVING SENIORS A SEAT AT THE TABLE
Many older adults face isolation and limited opportunities to influence the decisions that affect their lives. The Senior Participatory Budget of Valongo (SPBV) was created to directly address this gap. In its first edition, the initiative covered all five parishes of the municipality with a dedicated budget of €50,000. A total of 266 seniors participated in in-person engagement sessions, generating 161 ideas, 116 formal proposals, and ultimately 5 winning projects, one per parish, selected through a structured, transparent process of deliberation and public vote.
PARTICIPATION DESIGNED AROUND REAL NEEDS
While many participatory budgets rely heavily on digital tools that unintentionally exclude older citizens, SPBV re-designs participation around seniors' real needs. In-person sessions, simplified communication, and collective deliberation replace digital barriers, ensuring accessibility without sacrificing transparency or rigour. Its territorial approach, covering all five parishes with an equal budget allocation, promotes local relevance and strengthens community bonds. The result is a structured and inclusive model that directly links citizen participation to the implementation of concrete local projects.
FROM PASSIVE RECIPIENTS TO ACTIVE DECISION-MAKERS
SPBV engaged 266 participants in co-creation and mobilised 418 voters, strengthening civic participation across the municipality. For many, this was their first experience of proposing an idea, voting on a public project, or directly influencing a municipal decision. Beyond the numbers, the project has contributed to a profound shift in how seniors perceive their role in local democracy. By fostering social interaction, improving wellbeing, and reinforcing a sense of belonging, SPBV is building a more inclusive and participatory local democracy.
