The u3a Trust supports over 1,000 local groups across the UK, offering lifelong learning, friendship, and fun. Explore national resources, join online talks and workshops, and discover how members are making a difference in their communities.
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Major Sections of the u3a Website
News
Catch up with the latest updates from u3a across the UK. From inspiring member stories to national celebrations like u3a week, this section highlights achievements, events, and community impact.
Learn
Explore a wide range of learning opportunities. Members can join interest groups, access online learning resources, and take part in workshops designed to stimulate curiosity and creativity.
Events
Discover talks, courses, and national events available to all members. Many are hosted online via Zoom, making it easy to join from anywhere.
Our Impact
Read about the difference u3a makes in communities nationwide. This section showcases research, awards, and stories of how members are enriching their lives and those around them.
Members Area
A hub for u3a members and committee volunteers. Find committee updates, governance resources, and practical support for running your local u3a. Members no longer need to sign in to access the Members Area
Get Involved
Learn how to volunteer, contribute to national projects, or join campaigns. This section highlights opportunities to shape the future of u3a and give back to the community.
About Us
Discover the history and ethos of u3a. Learn how the movement began, its guiding principles, and how the Third Age Trust supports local u3as across the UK.
Contact Us
Find ways to get in touch with the national office or your local u3a. Whether you’re a member or just curious, this section helps you connect with the right people.
Social Media
Follow u3a on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and X for stories, events and member highlights — stay connected today!
National u3a: Resources
The Third Age Trust provides guidance and tools to help local u3as thrive. Explore the following areas:
u3a Support
Support for u3as — Advice and guidance for committees, including governance, finance, and safeguarding.
Committee Updates — Regular newsletters and communications for committee members.
Governance Documents
Resources for u3a Trustees — Workshops, template policies, constitutions, and trustee responsibilities.
Advice & Guidance - a list of all of the documents, forms and policies that you will need to run your u3a.
IT & Beacon Support
Beacon Help Centre — Official help and training guides for the u3a Beacon membership system.
SiteWorks - u3a SiteWorks offers a website presence solution for u3as, Networks and Regions. A volunteer team provide WordPress websites on a managed platform.
Publicity Materials
u3a Brand Guidelines — Official colours, fonts, and design rules for u3a publicity.
u3a Brand Shop — Downloadable logos, templates, banners, and customisable publicity materials.
u3a Friends
Become part of u3a Friends — a new way to connect, share stories, and enjoy exclusive member offers. Sign up for the newsletter to stay in touch with nationwide events, online interest groups, and our Friends Extra benefits programme, including discounts on travel, shopping, leisure, and more.
u3a Eye photography competition
Capture the world through your lens with u3a Eye — our rolling photography project. Every two months a new theme invites members to share imaginative shots, with selected entries showcased in our online gallery. It’s not about competition, but creativity and interpretation — your photo could be next!
u3a Podcasts
Tune in to the u3a Radio Podcast — created by members, for members. Each episode shares inspiring stories, lively interviews, and updates from across the movement. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full series on YouTube.
u3a Matters Magazine
Discover stories, tips and inspiration in u3a Matters — our members’ magazine, available online as a flip‑book.
u3a Festival 2026
Save the Date
After the success of Festival 24, we’re delighted to announce that Festival 26 will be taking place between Wednesday 1 July to Friday 3 July 2026 at the University of York.
u3a member, Margaret Fiddes is part of the team organising the Festival. She says, “we’re aiming to make this a bigger and better festival with even more members taking part, bringing us their enthusiasm and knowledge to lead workshops, music groups, talks, sports and performances.”
If you’d like to volunteer at u3a Festival 26, please get in touch via festival@u3a.org.uk
We expect that bookings for accommodation and tickets will be open from late autumn 2025.
To stay updated with u3a Festival Updates, sign up to our u3a Friends Newsletter and tick that you would like to receive Festival Updates. If you are already subscribed to the newsletter, you will need to update your preferences – this will send you an email with a link to change your preferences.
u3a Network link
Network Link brings u3a groups together to share ideas, speakers, training, and projects. Stay connected with regular updates, online meetings, and opportunities to collaborate across the movement.
Online Learning Events
The u3a online learning programme offers a rich variety of talks and workshops designed to inspire and inform. Members can explore wellbeing in sessions such as “Ways We Can Be Happier” and “Mindfulness & Meditation,” discover cultural traditions in “Radiant Celebrations,” or gain practical insights from topics like “The Future of UK Landlines” and “How Medicines Work.” With expert guest speakers and member‑led sessions, these complimentary events showcase the breadth of opportunities available to all. To take part, simply visit the u3a Online Learning Events page and book your place in advance.
Interest Groups Online
Interest Groups Online (IGO) is a vibrant u3a community where members can join talks, courses and discussion groups from the comfort of home. Run by members for members, IGO offers a wide range of opportunities to learn, share and connect across the movement. Current groups include Creative Writing, Family History, Philosophy, Bridge, Languages, and Photography, alongside specialist talks on science, wellbeing and culture. With new groups starting regularly, there’s always something fresh to explore.
u3a Council
Purpose of the Council
The u3a Council acts as the bridge between the u3a Board and local u3as. Its core responsibilities include:
- Engaging with members across the UK’s twelve regions and nations
- Listening to views, concerns, and ideas from members
- Bringing proposals and feedback to the national level for discussion and action
- Ensuring communication flows effectively between grassroots u3as and the Board
Council Leadership
Sue Russell — Council Chair
Karen Green — Chair of Network Link
Elections & Vacancies
- Nominations open January 2026
- Vacancies will be available in eight regions: East Midlands, East of England, North East, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South East, South West, West Midlands
- Full details and nomination guidance are available on the u3a Elections page.