UPPER BANN U3A

Public benefits

Purpose (1) To advance the education of the public and in particular the education of older people, no longer in full time gainful employment in the Upper Bann area and the surrounding locality. Public Benefits from this Purpose: Upper Bann U3A provides the older people of its area with educational benefits which they would not otherwise be able

to access. Members are surveyed to determine the learning activities most appropriate to their situations. Where possible, the Committee works to facilitate these. Efforts to date have led to the successful formation of a number of learning groups. Others are in the process of being formed. Feedback indicates that attendance at these learning groups leads to an increase in functionality of the brain, in cognitive ability, improvement of communication skills, mental stimulation, greater awareness of environmental issues affecting the planet, increased perception. Members also report the benefits of social interaction, feeling a valued part of a group, increased confidence and feelings of self worth at what can be a vulnerable stage of life. Participation in the various groups is monitored and an annual report is prepared by the Group Leader. Membership of the Upper Bann U3A continues to grow – as at 30 September 2013 there were 82 members. Today there are 138. Is any harm or possibility of harm outweighed by the benefit? No Who is the benefit for? The benefit is for those people living within the Upper Bann and surrounding locality who are not in full time employment. Whilst there is no age restriction for membership of the Upper Bann U3A, the members tend to be over 50. A UK wide U3A survey showed the pattern to be 97% were aged over 60, 61% over 70 and 16% over 80. 32% had a disability and 40% lived alone. Is the any private benefit? Is it incidental or necessary? The Upper Bann U3A Committee are members of the Upper Bann U3A so may be deemed to obtain an incidental and necessary non-financial benefit from its activities. Purpose (2) To provide facilities for leisure time and recreational activities with the object of improving the conditions of life for the above persons in the interests of their social welfare and physical and mental health. Public Benefits from this Purpose How we demonstrate this This is demonstrated in the same way as Purpose 1 ie by surveying members and responding to their identified needs. As the U3A national survey showed, 40% of members lived alone and 32% had a disability. All of the groups outlined above are well subscribed and are chosen by members to suit their current or aspirational level of physical fitness and their social contact situation. Older members tend to opt for the less physically challenging groups such as the Bridge, Luncheon Club, and Theatre Outings. Feedback from the groups reveals that the social interaction has a direct impact on positive mental health, often at a vulnerable life stage such as isolation, bereavement and loss of self-worth. Is any harm or possibility of harm outweighed by the benefit? No Who is the benefit for? As for Purpose 1 - Those people living within the Upper Bann and surrounding locality who are not in full time employment. Is there any private benefit? Is it incidental or necessary? As for Purpose 1 - The Upper Bann U3A Committee are members of the Upper Bann U3A so may be deemed to obtain an incidental and necessary non-financial benefit from its activities.

What your organisation does

We hold monthly get-togethers for all members for which we have a varied programme. We run a number of interest groups including bridge, art, French, poetry appreciation, two levels of walking and a large luncheon group. It is hoped to expand the number of activities.