Guernsey

About Us

Welcome to u3a Guernsey

u3a Guernsey is a self-help organisation of diverse individuals who want to remain engaged during retirement and cooperate together to share their skills and experience. u3a provides a relaxed, friendly and supportive environment for this. We aim to live happy, active and fulfilling lives by learning and laughing with each other in a spirit of mutual aid, while fostering supportive friendships.

Founded in 1982, the u3a organisation was originally called the “University of the Third Age”, but today is known simply as u3a. There are over 1,000 u3as in the UK involving around 400,000 members in exploring new ideas, skills, interests and activities together. u3a Guernsey was launched in November 2015 and has already grown to more than 1,000 members.

u3as have a very informal structure and are run by the members for the members, with members volunteering to organise all of our activities and events.

Members form interest groups dedicated to learning on a self-help basis. Today in Guernsey, we have over 80 interest groups, each one led by a convenor who is a u3a member. There are opportunities for members to find new hobbies or to return to past interests. As and when a group becomes full, members are encouraged to start up another group, so that more members can become involved in that activity.

Interest groups can be formed in whatever subject or interest that members would like to follow. Currently, we have groups for Arts & Crafts, Bridge, Canasta, Drama, Drawing, Painting, Pétanque, Photography, Scottish Country Dancing, Skittles, Singing, Tai Chi, Ukulele, Walking and Wine Appreciation, plus another 70 other groups which are detailed on the Groups page.

We are always pleased to encourage and support any member who has a skill or an interest in starting up a new group. For more details see the Convenors page.

u3a Guernsey offers a range of opportunities and activities at a reasonable cost and some of our members have joined following guidance from the Bailiwick Social Prescribing team. Social Prescribing is a process of linking people to non-medical support to help improve health and well-being. To support the person in this process you should initially make contact with the Chair (u3aguernsey.chair@gmail.com) or Interest Groups' Coordinator (u3aguernsey.groups@gmail.com). They will provide information about activities and identify suitable groups. They will speak with Interest Group convenors to talk through any special measures that may be needed. When the person attends a coffee morning or group for the first time they may bring along a companion or Link Worker.

We also have a monthly coffee morning on the first Tuesday of the month held at the KGV Community Cafe, from 10am – 11.30am, where members find out about forthcoming events and new members are welcomed.

Our Social Committee are always busy organising a variety of events. Interesting guest speakers are also regularly invited to talk to members. In the past, we have had some entertaining talks from the Lieutenant Governor, Sir Ian Corder, the Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink, the Seigneur of Sark, Major Christopher Beaumont and the former GP Editor, Richard Digard. For more information on up & coming events see the Events page.

There are no restrictions on u3a membership, which costs just £15 per annum (January to December). By the way, no qualifications are either required or awarded; u3a is all about learning for learning’s sake, and having some fun whilst doing it!
We hope that you will join u3a Guernsey and, in time, start up an interest group yourself!

New Members' Welcome Pack

u3a Guernsey - Registered charity No: CH554

Association of Guernsey Charities No: 445