u3a - u3a and me

Understanding our collective impact

What more than 10,000 members told us about learning, friendship, wellbeing and purpose in later life.

Across the movement, local u3as are enriching later life at remarkable scale. Members create the groups, share knowledge, welcome new people and nurture the communities where learning and friendship grow.

The u3a and me survey was designed to capture that experience more clearly. More than 10,000 members told us how u3a has shaped their lives, how they take part, and what helps them feel connected, active and involved.

With the findings, we have created a suite of publicity resources, including social media assets, that local u3as can use to promote locally.

Download the report

View resources for local u3as

What the report shows

The findings confirm what local u3as see every week: people joining to learn, share interests and meet others, then finding benefits that reach much further.

Groups and activities are often the starting point. What members describe is a wider pattern of impact: friendships formed, confidence renewed, minds stimulated, routines restored, skills shared and purpose strengthened.

Headline findings

95%

say u3a has improved their life in some way

90%

say u3a gives them opportunities to keep learning and stay curious

79%

say u3a has expanded their social connections

77%

say their sense of wellbeing has improved since joining

66%

say u3a has helped them stay mentally and physically active

45%

say being part of u3a has reduced feelings of loneliness or isolation

The findings confirm the strength and breadth of members’ experience across the movement. People often join to learn something new or meet others, but many describe benefits that go further. Groups and activities are the starting point. The wider experience frequently brings friendship, confidence, stimulation, routine and a stronger sense of purpose.

Member story

"When I gave up work, I didn't want retirement to mean simply slowing down; instead, I was determined to keep active and involved. I love dancing, so when I searched for local, daytime dance activities, and a u3a Line Dancing group popped up, I decided to give it a go. We danced for nearly two hours and it was great fun.

"In just six years, I’ve connected with more people than I had in the previous two decades living in my town. Through u3a, I’ve discovered new interests, strengthened my language abilities, and stayed active and energised."

Jackie, Pershore & District u3a

Read the full report

The full report explores what members told us about learning, friendship, wellbeing and purpose in later life. It brings together survey findings, member voices, case studies and wider research context.

Download the full report

Download the methodology

Resources and assets for your u3a

We have compiled a set of downloadable resources to help local u3as share the findings and celebrate the difference u3a makes in their communities.

The assets have been created to support a coordinated launch ahead of u3a Week on 19 September. Local u3as can use them on websites, social media, newsletters, open day materials, local presentations and conversations with community partners.

Resources include regional and national infographics, animations, static images, member quotes, case studies, the full report and the methodology.

View resources for local u3as