SupportNetwork

Support Network

Causeway u3a's new task group “Support Network” is the successor to u3a Plus. Its aim is to provide advice and support for members who have difficulty attending or participating in the u3a programme due to health issues, transportation or caring commitments.

 

It is important for all u3a members and potential members to be able to access and enjoy as many of our events and activities as possible.

This is what we do:

  1. Research and liaise with local and regional agencies which provide support for older people. 
  2. Signpost these and other resources suitable for our members through our website.
  3. Monitor members’ support needs through feedback from Group leaders and through contact with members at monthly meetings and online. These supports may relate to health, transportation, financial and digital issues.
  4. Organise learning and networking events for members with specific accessibility problems relating to their participation in Causeway u3a events.
  5. Advise committee on matters relating to equality, diversity and inclusion. This may include recommendations relating to barriers to membership of Causeway u3a or any discrimination which is brought to our attention. 
  6. Respond, if possible, to the needs of groups of members with similar problems and assist them to solve these and to enjoy Causeway u3a to the full.

Please note

We are simply volunteers, like all u3a members, and we cannot provide professional advice for individuals on health, financial, digital or transportation matters. We can only create awareness of these issues and signpost local supports and services. We work closely with other agencies and plan to offer information sessions about specific barriers to your attendance and enjoyment.


Who we are:

  • Barry Williamson (Group Convenor)
  • Brian Caul
  • Venie Martin
  • Viny Robinson


How to contact us:

Click here to send an email to support@causewayu3a.co.uk


or visit our table at the monthly Causeway u3a meetings.

Events and Advice

List of Services

    General Advice About Ageing 


    Age UK  https://www.ageuk.org.uk


    Top 10 Chronic Illnesses in Older People 

    https://www.ncoa.org/article/the-top-10-most-common-chronic-conditions-in-older-adults

    Request Free IT Support at Home 

    AbilityNet's friendly tech volunteers provide free IT support to older people and disabled people of any age, anywhere in the UK. 


    Every volunteer is disclosure-checked and can help with all sorts of IT (information technology) challenges, from setting up new equipment, fixing technical issues, showing you how to stay connected to family, using online services and much more.


    You can request their support by using the form on the AbilityNet website.


    Or you can:


    Online Opportunities

    During lockdown, many members learned to use Zoom for meetings and BBO to play bridge online.


    The amount of interesting opportunities to study online has increased enormously in recent years and much of it is ideal for any u3a member who is housebound, in care or still shielding. Please browse the links to the left and contact support@causewayu3a.co.uk if you need any advice.


    See below for links to help with setting up Zoom.

    Digital Support

    The use of Zoom is particularly important for members who find it difficult to attend Causeway u3a activities in person. To support them, we relay the monthly meetings and some of our activities using Zoom.


    Here are links to two Youtube videos made by our treasurer and Zoom coordinator, Brendan Mullan to assist in the use of Zoom.

    Installing and using Zoom on an iPad

    Installing and using Zoom on a Windows computer


    Feel free to contact support@causewayu3a.co.uk if you need more assistance.

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