The Stanway University of the Third Age

The Stanway University of the Third Age (U3A) is a UK-based nonprofit charitable organisation dedicated to the advancement of education, particularly for people who are no longer in full-time gainful employment and are in their "third age"—the period after retirement or major family-raising responsibilities. The charity operates entirely through volunteer efforts by its members and is registered under charity number 1171008.

Purpose and Mission

The core purpose of The Stanway U3A is to provide educational opportunities and social activities to support lifelong learning and personal development among older adults. The organisation fosters a community where retired or semi-retired individuals can share knowledge, skills, and experiences in a wide range of interest groups, contributing to intellectual stimulation and social engagement.

Activities and Offerings

The Stanway U3A offers a variety of activities including interest groups, outings, coffee and lunch gatherings, and other social events organised and run by its members. These activities encompass diverse subjects and hobbies such as arts, literature, history, languages, and sciences, as well as leisure pursuits and fitness. The flexible, member-led model encourages participation and collaboration without formal educational requirements or qualifications.

Organisational Structure

Being an independent charity, The Stanway U3A relies on volunteer leadership and administration by its own members. The organisation embodies the principles of the wider U3A movement, which emphasizes self-help, peer learning, and active community involvement among older adults. It is part of the broader UK and international University of the Third Age network but operates autonomously within its local community.

Relationship to the University of the Third Age Movement

The Stanway U3A aligns with the UK geragogic tradition of the University of the Third Age, which distinguishes itself from the original French extramural university model by focusing on shared learning and mutual support rather than formal education. This model encourages members to contribute their own knowledge and expertise in a cooperative environment, fostering lifelong education without the pressures of examinations or formal qualifications.

Charity Registration

The Stanway University of the Third Age is officially registered as a charitable organisation under the Charity Commission for England and Wales with the charity number 1171008. Its governing documents specify that the advancement of education for people in their third age, particularly those not in full-time employment, is a principal objective.

This organisation exemplifies the ethos of the U3A movement by enabling older adults in the Stanway area to engage in meaningful and stimulating educational and social opportunities independently managed by the members themselves.

[1] https://stanway.u3asite.uk [2] https://www.tribeproject.org/service?id=d1bb1bec-aebf-424f-8b43-4e05638681a7 [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1171008&subid=0 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5087384/governing-document [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_the_Third_Age