Crossmaglen U3A

Public benefits

(i) To advance the education of the public and in particular the education of middle aged and older people who are not in full time gainful employment in Crossmaglen and its surrounding locality. Increased awareness of recreational education and learning for older people that are retired. Advancement of education through participation and

increased engagement in a varied programme of activities resulting in enhanced enjoyment and social contact for older people in Crossmaglen and its surrounding locality. (ii) The provision of facilities for leisure time and recreational activities with the object of improving the conditions of life for the above persons in the interests of social welfare. Increased access to a better quantity and quality of leisure, recreational and educational activities aimed at older people, increasing the use of local facilities, improving conditions, quality of life and social welfare for older people using the service, resulting in the alleviation of isolation and loneliness. These benefits are evidenced through an improvement on members self-esteem, an increase of their social networks, an improvement on members physical and emotional wellbeing and an opportunity to learn new skills and share or develop further existing ones. The purpose of Crossmaglen U3A may lead, unintentionally, to physical harm when public speakers provide advice on health and wellbeing, but the charity minimises this risk by only hosting professionals or experts in the subject they’re presenting and disclaimers are given at the end to ensure that members seek further advice from their GP in the first instance. The other physical harm that Crossmaglen U3A purpose may lead to is members getting injured when taking part in activities or residential but risks are minimized by risk assessing the event first. The benefits to members and volunteers of in terms of learning new skills or utilising existing one’s, developing their confidence and facilitation skills, reducing social isolation and making connections, etc, outweighs the potential harm. There are no private benefits flowing from Crossmaglen U3A purpose. In order for the beneficiaries to use Crossmaglen U3A services individuals must register as members and pay a monthly membership of £1 which has been agreed across the membership and committee as a reasonable and affordable membership fee, allowing access to the U3A services to all and ensure that the poor are not excluded.

What your organisation does

Crossmaglen U3A provide a programme of educational, cultural, arts, physical, recreational and heritage based activites throughout the year in Crossmaglen. These activities are volunteer run and lead all by local older people that are members. We share skills amongst members and all faciltators are volunteer members of our group.