Founded in 1982, u3a is a UK-wide movement of locally-run interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities to come together to learn for fun. Members explore new ideas, skills and activities together.
There are over one thousand u3as, of which Derby u3a is one. In the UK in total there are over 450,000 members. The u3a national body – the Third Age Trust - looks after all the u3as in the UK, providing educational and administrative support. The Trust is overseen by a Board of Directors, to which any u3a member may be elected.
u3amatters magazine is published five times a year and posted direct to all Derby members’ homes if they wish to receive it. It is packed with stories about members and u3a activities, plus celebrity interviews and features on technology, recipes, travel, competitions, and a lively and popular letters section.
Watch highlights from the recent u3a Festival in York
u3a Getaways
This exciting new initiative has been developed especially for u3a members, combining expert-led cultural learning, carefully selected destinations and the opportunity to share new experiences with like-minded people from across the u3a movement.
This Autumn members have the chance to join Appreciating Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon from 12 to 15 October 2026 – an opportunity to explore the Bard's life and works in his home town.
Learn more about the Shakespeare tour and explore the full schedule of future getaways. MEMBERS ONLY!
A new “u3a and me” report has been produced, based on responses from more than 10,000 members across the movement. The report explores the difference u3a makes to members' lives, including its impact on learning, friendship, wellbeing, activity and purpose. The findings are very positive: 95% of respondents say u3a has improved their life in some way, while 90% say u3a gives them opportunities to keep learning and stay curious. You can read the full report at https://www.u3a.org.uk/what-we-do/our-impact/u3a-impact-reports/u3a-and-me
National and Regional Groups, Networks and Resources
Interest Groups Online (IGO) has over 1000 members and offers over 100 online groups which are run by members for members, just as with local u3as. Most groups meet on Zoom, but some use email or Whats App. To join a group, you must join Interest Groups Online. Annual membership costs £12 (£6 if you join halfway through the year).
Oversights Looking to find out if there is a u3a group near you for something you are interested in? Interested to see how many other groups there are for a minority subject? Oversights is a popular facility from Site Builder to search for u3as, groups and events nationwide. It now has its own dedicated SiteWorks site at https://oversights.u3asite.uk/
East Midlands Network and Derbyshire Network
Derby u3a is part of both these networks which promote the sharing of ideas, good practice and resources. The East Midlands Network also ensure members have a voice at National Level through their Council Representatives.