Fashioning a thriving u3a group
Kenilworth u3a's Fabulous Fashion group feature in a new film, which showcases the role of volunteering within the u3a movement.
Three years ago, Kenilworth u3a member June saw an article in the member's magazine, u3a matters, about fashion groups within the u3a movement, written by u3a Subject Adviser for Fashion, Ruth.
This set off a spark. June, who had always loved fashion, decided to contact Ruth for advice about how to set up a similar group at her own u3a. Two and a half years later and June leads a successful Fabulous Fashion group at Kenilworth u3a.
The group is the subject of the latest film in our Share Something Brilliant Today series which celebrates the way u3a members share their interests with each other. The film was launched on the Friday of Volunteers Week, to showcase the positive benefits of members coming forward to share their skills - whether that is as group leaders, Subject Advisers, or any of the other volunteer roles within the u3a movement.
In the film, June says of her role as group leader, "I try to encourage the group to take risks, to wear fun things, to give things a try. It does make a difference to people's self-esteem, I think, if they wear something they like and makes them feel good. It's a very pleasant way to volunteer."
There are 1,000 u3as across the UK which each have a wide range of interest groups, chosen and run by the members. As well as sharing skills as group leaders within their local u3as, u3a members can also share their passion for a subject as Subject Advisers. These Trust Volunteers use their expertise in a specific topic to support existing interest groups and help members form new groups. There are over 80 Subject Advisers within the movement giving insight into topics that range from Artificial Intelligence to Fashion and Scottish Dancing.
Watch the Share Something Brilliant Today series of films on our YouTube channel.
Find out more about Volunteering within the u3a movement.