Established in 1984, Brighton & Hove u3a is a registered charity, run by a volunteer Board of Trustees. All our group activities are also led by volunteers who have a skill, knowledge, or area of expertise which they are happy to share with others. We are guided by the principles of the u3a movement.
The guiding principles of the u3a movement
The Third Age Principle
- Membership of a u3a is open to all in their third age, which is defined not by a particular age but by a period in life when full-time employment has ceased.
- Members of a u3a promote the values of lifelong learning and the positive attributes of belonging to a u3a.
- Members of a u3a should do all they can to ensure that everyone who wishes to join a u3a can do so.
The Self-help Learning Principle
- Members of a u3a form interest groups, covering as wide a range of topics and activities as they desire, by the membership for the membership.
- No qualifications are sought or offered. Learning is for its own sake, with enjoyment being the prime motive, not qualifications or awards.
- There is no distinction between the learners and the teachers; they are all members of a u3a.
The Mutual Aid Principle
- Each u3a is a mutual aid organisation, operationally independent but a member of the Third Age Trust, which requires adherence to the guiding principles of the u3a movement.
- No payments are made to individual members for services rendered to any u3a.
- Each u3a is self-funded with membership subscriptions and costs kept as low as possible.
- Outside financial assistance should only be sought if it does not imperil the integrity of the u3a movement.
Please note that our way of operating differs from other local u3as in that our members pay a one-off annual subscription after which all group activities are free to attend - with the exception of a few which require a small contribution for refreshments or one-off events.
We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant u3a.
Registered Charity Number: 294373
Registered Office: Brighton & Hove u3a, c/o Clarke Goodhand Smith Ltd (Accountants), 12a Marlborough Place, BN1 1WN