U3A Objectives, National and Local History

(University of the Third Age)

Maidenhead Library

OBJECTIVES

    U3A was founded to bring an improved quality of life to retired people wishing to extend their active lives through self improvement and continued  study in a social, friendly environment.

    This is the ' Third  Age ' of life, after the ages of childhood dependency and that of work/family responsibilities. There is evidence that an active Third Life, such as that which U3A encourages, delays the 'Fourth Age', that of dependence. This concept has been adopted by  the government in s Life Long Learning Strategy.

    U3A neither requires nor offers academic qualifications: members may enter and leave Study Groups at any time, as they wish.

THE NATIONAL U3A

         Originating in France, in 1972, the concept was developed as an extension of a local University, whereby the facilities and staff were made available to the local community for the enhancement of retired residents.

    This model is now seen in most French University cities and was introduced into the UK, at Cambridge, in 1981. It has also been  adopted elsewhere, in Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, for example. There are U3A organisations in over 100 countries worldwide.

In the UK there are over  675 U3A branches, with over 200,000 members, operating as independent charities. The National Office provides supporting material and a communications network of coordinating regional committees. Additionally there are specialist subject groups that coordinate and communicate to pursue common interests.

LOCAL U3AS

    A successful concept for University cities, the original model was modified to suit local circumstances elsewhere, with a more independent self -help structure, within which the retired community themselves organize, administer, initiate and lead study groups, for the other branch members' benefit.

    This is the structure to be found in the majority of UK U3As today. The exact form and implementation of the local U3As is a matter for Branch membership, within the framework of a Constitution, charity status and affiliation to the national Third Age Trust.

Organisation

Activities