After nine months of planning and hard work, Paisley & District’s University of the Third Age (U3A) have received a Certificate of Membership from Pam Jones, Chair of the Third Age Trust.
This makes Renfrewshire-wide U3A the latest established member and joins 49 other U3As in Scotland. U3A is a movement which aims to provide new ways of learning in later life with the motto – learn, laugh and live.
Paisley & District U3A Chair Kathleen O’Donnell said: “Approaching or reaching retirement gives people a chance to try new things. Our hard-working steering group decided to establish a Paisley & District U3A. We know that when you get older you’re more likely to have the free time to enjoy learning new skills. It’s also a great way to meet people who share similar interests.
“We offer later life education groups – all run by local volunteers. Our members choose the topics they want to learn more about. These sessions can range from conversational Spanish and art appreciation to architecture and local history. We also have a programme of guest speakers who share their knowledge and expertise at our monthly meetings. These are held on the first Thursday of that month, from 2-3.30pm, and members and friends can come and enjoy a tea or coffee beforehand.”
As well as the certificate presentations at the U3A All Scotland Assembly & AGM in East Kilbride Art Centre, delegates heard about current Scottish Government research into social isolation and loneliness.
Its 2018 consultation paper, ‘A Connected Scotland’, there is a quotes from the late Jo Cox, Member of Parliament as saying: “Young or old, loneliness doesn’t discriminate…it is something many of us could easily help with.”
Paisley & District U3A may play its part to assist social connections among semi or retired individuals living in the Renfrewshire area.
To find our more information on Paisley & District U3A visit their website at: u3asites.org.uk/paisley