This short paper describes the history, application and outcomes of a social capital initiative, involving groups of senior school pupils and senior citizens in a community in Midlothian (1), Scotland, the United Kingdom – The Midlothian Student Befrienders’ programme. The paper begins by describing the work of the Midlothian cross generational Befrienders’ programme and looks at the initiative through a social capital lens, examining how a voluntary sector/school partnership can develop learning and social capital in the community, beyond the school gates. The paper explores how a lifelong learning and community development agenda can become a focal point of school and voluntary sector action within the context of building social capital.   To view the report please see attachment.