Salford U3A and the Work They Do To Bring People Together
Salford U3A are part of a network, made up of people who are no longer in full-time work. They consist of 35 groups which cover a wide range of interests.
The groups work on the basis of active participation, sharing responsibility and learning together. Their motto is live, laugh, learn and bring people together to make new friendships, share interests and learn for fun.
They are a charitable organisation, meaning everything they do is led by volunteers, or as stated their website- by the members, for the members. They offer more than thirty interest groups. Some involve outdoor activity (Walking groups are especially popular), some are more cerebral (such as Local History and Book Clubs), and others are quite definitely social (Luncheons, Theatre and Concerts).
One of the many activities offered at Salford U3A is an event called Exploring Greater Manchester. This is an event which occurs on the second Tuesday of every month and aims to get people back together and out exploring after the COVID crisis. The group explores various places in Greater Manchester, mainly aimed at the elderly due to their use of free public transport with a concessionary pass, however any members who have not yet received a pass are still welcome to go.
Judith Gibson who has the job of the convenor in the group said that the main reasoning for getting round on public transport as for environmental benefits and emphasized on how easy it was to get round in Manchester, with a wide range of options to get about such as the bus or tram.
As well as this, Judith told me that before COVID had ended she made a meetup group at RHS Gardens where she would bring people together outside because people were otherwise frightened of going out.
This group is especially important after the COVID crisis, as according to the 2021 census: “Staying in touch with family and friends remotely was the main way those aged 60 years and over said they were coping whilst staying at home, followed by gardening, reading and exercise, with those aged in their 60s and 70s equally as likely as younger age groups to say that exercise was helping them to cope.”
This clear emphasis on the elderly’s need for distraction with the need to stay active, shows why the Exploring Greater Manchester group has been so successful, now having a consistent 16 members.
According to Age Uk, 1 in 3 respondents reported feeling more anxious since the start of the pandemic, as well as 2 in 3 feeling less confident about going on public transport.
Based on their recent group trip to Saddleworth Museum and Gallery, their Facebook post which shows them dressing up in attire from different eras, supports what the group us about, with comments such as “looks like a fun group…” helping to show why the group as created.
Their next destination is Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden which will be taking place on the 9th of May. If there is any interest, go to Exploring Greater Manchester — Salford u3a for more information.
