What is U3A?
U3A stands for “University of the Third Age”.
Its purpose is to provide opportunities, for those no longer in full-time employment, to meet to pursue the principle of “lifelong learning” (the motto of U3A).
U3A originated in France, at Toulouse University, in 1972 and it rapidly spread world-wide to become the International Association of Universities of the Third Age (IAUTA). The UK became a member of IAUTA, under the name of “The Third Age Trust”, in 1982 and there are now well over 600 U3As across the UK.
Why “University”?
In the UK we use the word “university” in its original sense i.e. “a co-operative of people devoted to a particular type of activity”.
U3A neither requires academic qualifications of its members, nor does it award any such qualifications.
What is “The Third Age”?
- The First Age is “Education.”
- The Second Age is “Career & Family”.
- The Third Age is “Retirement” – a time for enjoyment, fulfilment & personal development.
- The Fourth Age is “Dependency”.
What is the “Third Age Trust”?
It is the national representative body for all the UK U3As. The Trust is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee, with a National Executive Committee elected from the membership at its AGM on a geographical basis. The members of the Executive fulfil the role of Trustees of the Charity as well as acting as the Board of Directors for the Company. Amongst other activities The Trust supports the local U3As both through its Development Officer as well as its, well stocked, Resource Centre. This provides U3As with a postal loan service for educational slides, CD ROMs, DVDs and videos. It also distributes an educational bulletin called “Sources”.
The Trust publishes a quarterly magazine “U3A news” which is sent to all members. As well, it provides insurance (from a portion of the annual membership fee) for all members whilst attending any U3A event.
Third Age Trust contacts
National Office
Unit 3, Carpenters Court
4a Lewes Road
Bromley
Kent,
BR1 2RN
- Phone
- 0208 466 6139
- website@u3a.org.uk
- Opening hours
- Mon-Fri 9.30am to 5pm
Resource Centre
2007 sees 25 years of lifelong learning through The Third Age Trust and its U3As.
How are U3As Organised?
U3As are democratic, self-funded & self managed organisations working within the framework of the Third Age Trust. They have their own constitutions agreed by their members and hold AGMs.
The core activity of any U3A is the monthly groups. These draw on the knowledge, experience & skills of their members to organise activity & study groups in accordance with the wishes of the membership.