Venue: Lancaster University Conference Centre

This conference will present a current Learning Revolution Transformation Fund project through which Lancaster University opened its doors to Lancaster and Morecambe University of the Third Age (U3A), and will explore how universities and U3A groups can work together to mutual benefit.  We think it will be of interest to people working in higher education with an interest in learning and ageing, and/or in access and widening participation. 

We also envisage a significant interest in this project and this conference from members of U3A groups across the UK, and from members of other organisations focussing on options for older adults.  We will be providing plenty of opportunities for universities, U3A members and others to talk together during the day, and where possible will group participants by region.   

As well as a chance to hear from participants (students and staff) about the project and to network with other delegates, there'll be an opportunity to hear from our speakers Professor Chris Phillipson from the Centre for Social Gerontology at Keele University, Professor Christine Milligan from Lancaster University's Centre for Ageing Research, Dr Alex McMinn, Chair of the National Research Committee of the U3A, and Professor Emeritus Keith Percy from Lancaster University. 

Full details of the conference (including overnight accommodation and a conference dinner on the Tuesday evening) can be found online at

http://www.lancs.ac.uk/depts/conted/SLPconference.htm

Higher Education establishments may like to explore these issues with a local U3A, or suggest to a local U3A that they might attend the conference with you.  The contact details of U3A local groups can be obtained from their website http://www.u3a.org.uk/   

Conference prices have been kept to a minimum to encourage full attendance, and are further discounted for those who are not funded by an organisation.

The conference is preceded by a Celebratory Learning Day, on Tuesday 23rd March.  This is primarily for members of Lancaster and Morecambe U3A and Lancaster University 's Senior Learners' Student Society but there is some space available for other visitors.  Attendance at this event is free but booking for the afternoon session is essential. 

The programme for the Celebratory Learning Day can also be found online at http://www.lancs.ac.uk/depts/conted/SLPcelebratoryday.htm

For further information about the conference or celebratory learning day please contact Janet Bunting, email j.bunting@lancaster.ac.uk, tel 01524 592623