u3a UK

The Summer issue of u3a matters is here! ☀️

Scroll for a taste of what's inside. Plus, read about the team of u3a volunteers behind the u3a Festival 26 working hard to make the event a huge success, along with celebrity guest Johnny Ball.

Ask a member of your u3a committee to sign you up if you don't already receive the magazine.

To read a highlights version online, visit the u3a website: https://www.u3a.org.uk/what-we-do/u3a-matters

Discover how happiness and “joyspan” can help us age well, thrive, and lead more fulfilled, connected lives in our free online event this week.

Event: Achieving lasting happiness and joy in today's busy world
When: Thursday 11 June at 2pm

In this talk, Subject Adviser for Ageing and Learning Jonathan Doherty will combine two areas - happiness and joyspan. Based on science and through a series of ideas and reflective exercises he hopes to inspire you to thrive and lead happy, fulfilled and contented lives.

Sign up for free on the events page of the u3a website: https://www.u3a.org.uk/what-we-do/events/educational-events

We're delighted to launch our new partnership with The UK Holiday Group: u3a getaways 🔅

u3a getaways is a programme of exclusive holidays for u3a members. The first holiday is The Agatha Christie Story - an exploration of the Devon coastline that inspired some of the world's most popular mysteries.

Find out more: https://www.justforgroups.com/u3a-getaways

Who goes above and beyond at your u3a?

This Volunteers' Week, we're celebrating the thousands of u3a members across the country who give their time and energy running groups, sharing knowledge, running their u3a and supporting others (to name only a few).

So we'd love to know - who are the superstars in your u3a? Shout them out in the comments!

It's Volunteers' Week and as a movement made up of volunteers, we want to say thank you to everyone who contributes at their u3a in ways big and small 🫶

Todmorden u3a member Michael is one of those people - as a volunteer at his local u3a, where he is speaker secretary and deputy Chair as well as helping to run events. In addition, he is a national learning volunteer, helping to run our online events for members across the country. You can read a little bit about what he enjoys about his role below.

If you think you might enjoy getting more involved with your u3a, why not start by asking your committee how you could help?

Happy Pride Month from all at u3a 🏳️‍🌈

Our essay competition is now live and, this year, we want to know about the real life journeys that fascinate you ✏️

That could be a historic voyage, a world-changing expedition, a scientific breakthrough or a spiritual or intellectual journey. We can't wait to see what you come up with. 🚣🔬🧘

The deadline is Friday 31 July. The writers of the top three essays will receive books donated by HX Expeditions. Find out how to get involved on our learning pages, https://www.u3a.org.uk/what-we-do/learning/learning-activities/essay-competition-2026

💙Into the blue💙

What a beautiful collection of artworks by our talented u3a members ! This month's Paint or Draw challenge invited members to explore the theme of 'Into the Blue' for the latest Paint or Draw challenge. This month's theme was 'Into the Blue'.

Here are paintings from Julie (Baddow & Galleywood u3a), Janes (Interest Groups Online), Annie (Pontyclun u3a), Nicholas (Hampstead Garden Suburb u3a), Janet (Bradford-upon-Avon u3a) and Wendy (Sherburn & Villages u3a).

Feeling inspired? June's theme is 'Urban Jungle' and we'd love to see your interpretation. Submit your artwork on the u3a website and become part of the gallery:

https://www.u3a.org.uk/what-we-do/learning/learning-activities/paint-or-draw