What is the u3a?

Founded in 1982, the u3a is a charitable organisation which aims to promote non-formal learning through self-help interest groups covering a wide range of topics and activities including Art, Sports, even Tea and Coffee clubs, as chosen by the members of each group. Group members learn from each other at a pace, style and content to suit themselves.

The u3a is designed for those no longer in full-time employment, raising a family or just want to do something with their free time. There is no maximum age but you must be over eighteen.

Learning and socialising is purely for the fun and the pleasure of joining like-minded people learning more about subjects of interest to them.

There are over 1,000 groups throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with about 400,000 members . Find out more about the u3a organisation.

The u3a UK is divided into Regions, the Isle of Man branch is part of the North West Region who have their own website, again offering information and learning opportunities that might be of interest

The Isle of Man u3a

Our u3a branch in the Isle of Man was formed on the 28th June 2012. We comply with all the Manx legislation and regulations required to be a registered Isle of Man Charity (number 1121) and our Committee make sure we continue to comply with all their requirements. We currently have over 235 members.

Like all u3a groups around the UK, the Isle of Man u3a is run by our members for our members. Every year our members gather for our AGM to examine our accounts, raise issues, make suggestions, and, very importantly, select our Committee.

Our Committee

Our current Committee members are, just like everyone else, members of the Isle of Man u3a who, thankfully, are willing to donate their time to meet every month to ensure the continued smooth running of our Isle of Man branch.

Our current Committee is:

The management of the u3a (IOM) is vested in the Committee in accordance with our Constitution

The 2026 aims of the Committee of the u3a Isle of Man are:

1. To ensure that the u3a(IOM) is run efficiently in accordance with the charity’s constitution and in compliance with all appropriate legislation and regulation.
2. To provide resources and administration to foster the continued growth and prosperity of our Groups and to promote the well-being and satisfaction of our Members
3. To oversee the financial management of the u3a(IOM) and to focus resources on the core functions of the charity and to seek additional funding for specific projects in support of our aims.
4. To maintain close links with the UK u3a at regional and national level to ensure that our members are aware of and encouraged to access the breadth of opportunities which come with being part of a larger organisation
5. To provide focussed support, through personal welcome meetings, training and targeted information, to new joiners, new group leaders, new committee members and others co-opted to assist with specific projects or work groups.
6. To raise awareness in the wider community of the work and benefits of the u3Aa to improve recruiting, to benefit the wider Manx community and to assist with fund raising.
7. To encourage the use of Beacon to maximise the technological benefits that the system provides.