About the u3a Organisation

The original concept of u3a started in Toulouse, France in 1972. There are now u3a's all over the world. Generally u3as are not associated with universities in the normal educational system. 'University' is used in the sense of a group of persons devoted to mutual learning, with no distinction between' teacher' and 'taught'. However, like 'real' universities we include group leisure activities.

The u3a in the UK started by the creation of the 'Third Age Trust' in 1982 and is a registered charity No. 288007 and limited company No. 1759471. The Trust represents all u3as in the UK at a national and international level. It is run by a National Executive Committee democratically elected from the membership and offers a range of services to support and advise local u3as.

The Universities of the Third Age are democratic, self-funding, organizations that provide all types of educational and leisure activities for retired or semi-retired people at minimum cost, by making use of the knowledge and skills of their members. The main emphasis is on participation. There are currently more than 1,000 local u3as in the UK and the number is increasing all the time.

Most u3a groups in the UK operate in a similar manner and most have adopted a standard constitution. As autonomous bodies they run their own affairs within their constitution and as members of the Third Age Trust their representatives attend the AGM of the Third Age Trust and help to set policy nationally.

u3as collaborate with institutions such as museums, galleries, libraries, in learning partnerships in which both u3as and the institutions themselves may benefit through research, advancement of knowledge and mutual respect for capabilities.

The Third Age Trust National Web Site has useful information on the facilities; resources; advice and support sheets offered.