We are often asked what u3a stands for, as well as what it does as an organisation, and this page gives an overview of both the local and national parts of our u3a movement.
The concept of the u3a originated in Toulouse, France in the 1970's as a way for older, retired people to continue to learn, often being affiliated to local universities (hence the name 'University of the Third Age' or u3a). A modified version was later introduced into the UK in 1982, which was also focused on lifelong learning, but without the need for any form of qualification - rather, it is aimed at people no longer in full-time employment who want to continue to learn for pleasure and share their knowledge and experience in the company of others. There is no upper or lower age limit. Currently, there are over 1000 local u3as in the UK with over 400,000 members, all of which follow the strapline of ‘Learn, Laugh, Live’ to promote the value of lifelong learning in the company of others.
The u3a movement has also become established internationally, with u3as in many other countries, each with their own unique way of doing things.
Local u3as
Networks and Regional sites
u3a at National level
Local u3as are independent, self-help charities that are usually centred around towns and villages for easy access of the membership to their meeting places (often local halls or in people’s homes). They each offer a wide variety of interest groups, which differ between u3as according to the interests of their members. The size of a local u3a can range from a few dozen to several thousand; our own u3a is relatively small, with a current membership of around 200.
Each local u3a is also affiliated to the National organisation.
In some areas, local u3as come together to form a Network, an informal grouping of u3as formed to provide help and support to each other. Our own u3a is part of the Shropshire Network, which has 14 members across the Shropshire region. Networks across the UK can also share information and ideas via Network Link, an online forum that meets three times a year.
All u3as sit within one of 12 geographical u3a regions, with each region having an elected Regional Trustee who sits on the national u3a Board to represent the views of those in their region. Our u3a is part of the West Midlands u3a region, which occasionally organises activities or workshops across the region.
At national level, the u3a movement is represented by the Third Age Trust (TAT), a registered charity that provides services, advice and support to local u3as, as well as being active in publicising the u3a movement within the UK. It has a Board of elected, volunteer members who guide the governance and direction of the u3a, a subject that is currently under review.
Their website offers a wide range of educational opportunities that any u3a member can become involved in – ranging from Learning activities and competitions , to National Events (including online) and Interest Groups Online (IGO). Members can also receive a monthly u3a Friends newsletter by email.