Founded in 1982, u3a* is a UK-wide movement of locally-run interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities to come together to learn for fun. Members explore new ideas, skills and activities together.
There are 1,057 u3as with over 450,000 members; membership costs less than £20 on average per year and is open to everyone who’s no longer in full-time work.
The u3a movement is supported by its national organisation, The Third Age Trust. All local u3as are charities in their own right and are run entirely by volunteers. They draw on the experience and knowledge of their membership to organise and provide interest groups.
The u3a approach to learning is – learning for pleasure. There are no exams, assessments or qualifications to be gained. We do it because we enjoy it!
A random sample of our own members say of the u3a :
“… a chance to learn and experience new things with like-minded friendly people … enjoying a wonderful social life and making new friends whilst learning in a fun environment and participating in new experiences”
“… allows me to meet old friends and to make new ones. To learn new skills. To keep the brain active.”
“… ongoing learning through different groups and activities, sharing fun, laughter and knowledge with a group of like-minded people … feeling part of a group, friendship, and happiness.”
“What does being a member of Weston Turville u3a mean to me? Good company, laughter, fun, enjoyable pursuits, learning new skills, a reason to get involved, stops me from behaving like an old person!”
* University of the Third Age