The u3a is a national organisation which started in Jersey in 2000 and in Guernsey in 2015.
The meaning behind the slightly unusual name is that it used to stand for University of the 3rd Age, however, taking into consideration that the group does not offer any official qualifications, it was shortened.
The group is entirely run by volunteers who hold classes in subjects they are familiar with and want to share with others. Held in locations all over the islands with various annual lunches and dinners in between, the u3a keeps their members as busy as they’d like.
With no upper age limit, the aims of the u3a are, as their webisites will tell you are to “promote life-long learning for those who no longer work full-time” and “keep the mind active whilst offering friendship and fun”.
Now boasting over 1,000 members between them and 120 interest groups, Express found out what the u3a does in Jersey and Guernsey and how it supports those in this stage of life…
U3a Jersey
Chair of Jersey’s u3a, Anne Southern, told Express how she came to join the u3a.
Pictured: Anne joined Jersey’s u3a in 2015.
Like 290 others in Jersey, she pays £18 a year and has access to a plethora of new activities that has created a new weekly routine for her since she left full-time work.
“It’s a really good way to make friends”, she said.
“And it’s a way to keep your body and mind active”.
Pictured: The Walking Group go on weekly walks around Jersey.
Having been a part of u3a Jersey for 15 years and in her third year of being Chair, Anne joined the group when she missed her daily crossword with work colleagues.
“I missed crosswords so I joined [the u3a] and started the crossword group.”
Now chairing the Jersey branch and attending multiple groups each week, she reflected how the u3a has changed her routine.
“It’s become a big part of my life, when I think about it.”
Pictured: The u3a Jersey offers retired people the chance to learn new things and meet new people
“It’s really kept me focused and people say to me how much they enjoy the groups,” Anne added.
Other than crosswords, the Jersey u3a offers over 30 groups that cover varying skills from art history, to french conversation, canasta or iPad skills.
U3a Guernsey
Pictured: Jane Pearson says the u3a in Guernsey helps people “get the most out of life”.
Having gained over 1,000 members in just nine years, the u3a Guernsey helps those in retirement “get the most out of life”.
That’s what Jane Pearson, u3a Guernsey’s Chair told Express.
Boasting a generous 90 interest groups, including boxing and Tai Chi, philosophy, sunday lunch and breakfasts for boys, it is a massive part of the community.
“Retirement, especially for the newly retired, can be lonely, boring and scary,” Jane said.
Pictured: Guernsey’s Drama Interest group putting on a performance
Like Jersey, the u3a in Guernsey run on the goodwill of volunteers – who they call Convenors – who want to share their skills and meet new people.
“They are the lifeblood of the u3a,” Jane said.
For just £15 a year, those involved in u3a in Guernsey regard it as an opportunity not to miss.
“We view [ the u3a] as a time to unlock new opportunities whilst getting the most out of life.”
Pictured: The organisation teaches people new skills
As well as interest groups, the u3a Guernsey is very much involved in the community.
“Our choir sings in various care homes, blankets and baby clothes are knitted for Ukraine by the wooly jumper group and we do beach cleaning and bulb planting too.”
Pictured: Guernseys’ “Boys Breakfasts” group encourages men to talk
Anne, of u3a Jersey, also mentioned that they were on the look out for new volunteers to start new groups – especially something musical – as well as a keen volunteer to assist with the big monthly lunches.
FIND OUT MORE…
Click the link for more information about U3a Jersey and U3a Guernsey.
Or, to view the national organisation’s website, click HERE.