Greater Manchester U3A Network

Welcome

About us
We are a group of thirteen U3As ('Universities of the Third Age') within the Greater Manchester area who got together at the end of 2014 to form a mutually supportive network based on a common set of interests. The UK now has just over 1000 U3As (with about 100 in the North West) and there can be certain advantages in neighbouring U3As pooling skills, knowledge and experience for the wider benefit of their individual members. You do not need academic qualifications to join U3A, but you must not normally be in full-time employment or education. Most of our members are retired or semi-retired, and looking to find interesting, meaningful and fulfilling pursuits to fill the extra hours afforded by retirement. The Greater Manchester Network of U3As collectively offers over 400 interest groups covering a wide range of activities. These include study classes, discussion groups, choirs, cultural visits, walks, craft workshops, luncheon clubs, etc. all aimed at shared learning and social contact with new friends.

What is a Network?
A Network is a group of independent U3As which have chosen to work together for the mutual benefit of all participating members in an atmosphere of mutual support. We share ideas, experience, perspectives and aspirations in our aim to extend the life-enhancing opportunities available to our individual members. We also spread among us the effort and expense involved in organising activities across the Network.

Aims of our Network

  • to be a forum for exchange of news, information, events and ideas
  • to promote the U3A movement in the geographical area covered by the network so as to extend to everyone in their third age an opportunity of belonging to a U3A
  • to encourage links between interest groups of individual member U3As for sharing information, skills and experience, and organising special events/projects on a Network-wide basis
  • to encourage minority interest groups or study days which are difficult for individual U3As to support

The Network website
This Network web presence acts as a 'portal' to the individual websites of the member U3As which constitute its membership. It also promotes issues of interest in the field of life-long learning to the Network as a whole.