We've been through the University of Youth and the University of Life.  Now is the University of our Third Age.

Activities and Events from National u3a

The following are some of the benefits of being a u3a member that you may not be aware of. The Third Age Trust runs a number of activities and events that any u3a members can participate in, the majority of which are free of charge. With a UK wide membership of over 400,000, some of the events are on a first come first serve basis others are open to all.

All events and activities are listed on the u3a website. Select the link in the photo caption to go direct to the site.

Here are some of the interesting things you can find on the National u3a website. Just follow the links.

• The home page of the u3a website provides the latest news, gives you an overview of u3a, shares some member stories and gives you some useful links such as to the u3a Brand Centre where you can access free non-copyright photos or buy u3a branded items like shorts, lanyards, leaflets, and umbrellas (free account required).
• Make the most of being part of u3a by getting involved with the many free initiatives and events offered across u3a.  Learning for Everyone is a good place to start. The programme changes seasonally.
• Our National Initiatives showcase a wide range of learning activities for members to get involved in - from challenges and projects to competitions. Take a look at what the National Programme is offering.
• Each year, there are National Creative Writing and Poetry writing competitions each year, so keep checking back for the announcement. Here is the link to the National Poetry Competition for 2023-2024.
• We also have a u3a Radio podcast which is available on a variety of podcast platforms. If you subscribe or follow it, you will receive notification when a new episode is released. Here are u3a Playlists on YouTube.
• If you already run a group for your u3a and would like some fresh ideas or if you have been considering running a group but not sure where to start, we have a team of over 70 volunteer Subject Advisors who can help and advise you.
• To access National Events go to this area of the u3a website where you will find links to the events. For instance this year u3a are holding their very first Festival in York from July 18th to July 20th. Three action packed days are planned. Read all about it here Festival 2024. The Festival is open to any u3a member from anywhere in the country.
• u3a offers a variety of educational events on a first-come, first-served basis. What would you like to join? Many online events are being delivered via the Zoom video conferencing/webinar platform. We have some 'How to Guides' and are offering 'Online Tutorials' for using Zoom that may assist you if you are not familiar with this tool. You can also subscribe to get early email notifications of upcoming educational events. Just click on the link on the Events page. There are still places available on many of the events listed.
• There are a number of Research and Shared Learning projects that u3as and individual members can participate in and you can find out more about them by following the link.
• Interest Groups Online (IGO) offer online activities to any u3a member or non-member who joins this group. It is part of the national learning provision. Members of local u3as  can join IGO, the fee is £12 for the year. To see what’s on offer check out Interest Groups Online
• Finally, if you don’t already do so you may like to subscribe to the national u3a Newsletter email, scroll to the bottom of the u3a main page by clicking on this link u3a website

Facebook

There are many Facebook pages you can join if you are interested. As usual with private pages you will need to apply to join the group using the on-screen button but acceptance is usually very fast.

Many u3as have their own Facebook pages that you will find if you search 'u3a' in the Facebook search box. There are also some special interest Facebook pages.

Some u3a Facebook pages are sponsored by the Third Age Trust. These include: -

• Fit for the Future
• Keeping in Touch
• Let's Talk Tech
• u3a Gardening Group
• ... and more