The u3a movement in the UK began in 1980, based loosely on a French idea that first emerged in 1973. The founders envisaged that every UK-based u3a would be an independent, self-help organisation, and that they would be linked to each other by a set of common aims. From the start, the guiding principle has been to promote non-formal learning through self-help interest groups covering a wide range of topics and activities, chosen by their members. First and foremost, in a u3a, members learn from each other, rather than from a specialist teacher.
There are now u3a organisations across the world including continental Europe, Latin America, Australia and Canada.
Throughout the 1980's the u3a idea spread rapidly across the UK. In towns and cities across the country, local people got together to form their own, independent u3a, based on the national model and using the national branding. There are now over 1,000 u3as in the UK with a total membership of over 400,000.
Although all u3as in the UK are independent organisations, we are all part of the national u3a family. This means that all our members receive the free, full colour, quarterly “u3a Matters” magazine by post. Newcastle members can also join one or more of the many online groups run by the national body for a small additional fee. See "Membership Benefits" for more details.
The National u3a organisation
The national u3a organisation is governed by the Third Age Trust. Their four strategic aims are:
- To promote a u3a collective identity.
- To maximise the benefits of u3a membership to current members and to attract the next generation.
- To advance an exciting u3a learning experience, nationally and by each individual u3a.
- To collaborate with like minded organisations at all levels of the movement
Find out more by visiting the national u3a website.
Northumbria u3a (Regional Organisation)
Newcastle u3a is also an active member of the regional Northumbria u3a organisation which currently has 46 active u3as in the network. In addition to its co-ordination role, Northumbria organises a number of key events throughout the year, including visits to historic buildings, a golf day and a regional quiz. All Newcastle u3a members are welcome to attend these activities. There are also a small number of regional interest networks, including bird watching and creative writing; plus an annual short story competition.
Find out more by visiting the Northumbria u3a website.
