Pandemic can’t stop Buddies learning
A Paisley learning group are taking their skills online to help stop isolation during the coronavirus pandemic.
Paisley and District U3A were forced to suspend their monthly meetings when lockdown was introduced.
But far from sitting on their hands, the group decided to move their classes online to keep vulnerable members in the loop.
Paisley U3A chair Kathleen O’Donnell explained:“Our volunteers wanted to find ways to keep their groups going during the pandemic.
“It was highly likely that our most vulnerable members were in social isolation or shielding and couldn’t attend face to face meetings.
“So several groups had a go at using digital technology to help people stay connected and keep on learning in fun ways.
“If you want to enjoy a new hobby or take up a new skill, this is a golden opportunity. You can be a fly on the wall and listen in before you take part in a session.
“People are welcome to try one or two classes for free and can then pay an annual membership fee at the start of the new session.
“We plan to offer talking heads clips about architecture, books, conversational Spanish, gardens, meditation, and opera appreciation for starters.
“Our website has a contact page which links to group leaders, including our new On Your Own group. People can also use the contact page to email us any questions.”
Paisley and District U3A hope their monthly meetings with guest speakers will be able to restart in October as usual.
Updates can be found at https:// u3asites.org.uk/ paisley/welcome