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Move County Durham

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We want to make sure that everyone, can move more as part of their everyday life. Move County Durham is a Durham County Council programme.

If you’d like to move more, get out and about, enjoy the outdoors, improve your mental health and wellbeing or make some new friends then why not try a Move activity or programme. Taking place across the County, there’s everything from a craft group and seated exercise class to swimming and an outdoor walk.

04/11/2026

Getting back on his feet – Nigel’s story

When Nigel had a hip replacement in March, one of his main goals was to regain his mobility and get back to work on his farm.

Following his surgeon’s advice to take part in gentle exercise, Nigel started attending the weekly Gentle Steps wellbeing walk in Shildon.

Since joining the group, he’s noticed improvements in his leg strength and mobility. He’s also been able to stop using a walking stick, which he’d relied on for several years, and feels more confident moving around.

One of his proudest milestones has been being able to bend down, tie his shoelaces and stand back up independently - something he’d previously struggled with.

Nigel plans to keep attending the walks to help maintain his mobility and strength. He also enjoys the friendly company, with a cup of tea and a biscuit at the end of each session an added bonus!

There are regular wellbeing walks taking place across the county, offering a chance to get moving, enjoy some company and meet new people.

Find a wellbeing walk near you in County Durham:https://thriveleisure.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Wellbeing-Walks-November-2026.pdf

03/11/2026

🏏 Fancy giving walking cricket a go?

Whether you used to play cricket or have never picked up a bat, walking cricket is a great way to get moving, meet people and enjoy the game at a slower pace.

Take a look at our video to see what it's all about! 👇

There are free walking cricket sessions taking place every week across County Durham, delivered with Durham Cricket Foundation.

📍 Mondays
Freeman's Quay Leisure Centre – 4–5pm

📍 Wednesdays
Teesdale Leisure Centre – 10–11.30am
Spennymoor Leisure Centre – 11.30am–12.30pm

📍 Fridays
Louisa Centre, Stanley – 10–11am
Sunnydale Leisure Centre, Shildon – 10–11.30am

No booking needed and all equipment is provided!

Find out more about he thrives and other activities happening throughout November 👇
https://thriveleisure.co.uk/index.php/activities/he-thrives/

03/11/2026

*Fancy a game of Squash? **

We have a great opportunity to try squash, improve your fitness and have fun on court. Whether you’re picking up a racket for the first time or returning to the game, all abilities are welcome. Suitable for ages 16+ and all equipment is provided.

Session information:

-Saturday 7th November
-Saturday 14th November

10am–11.30am
Venue: Consett Leisure Centre

All Delivered by Consett Squash Club

Places are FREE but limited, and booking is essential.
To book your place, email [email protected]

03/11/2026

Walking is good for more than just your physical health.

As part of he thrives, we're linking up with colleagues from County Durham Family Hubs to offer three free wellbeing walks for dads during November.

Whether you're new to walking, looking to meet other dads or just fancy getting outdoors for a while, the walks are a chance to get moving, have a chat and enjoy some company.

Our wellbeing walk leaders will be joined by colleagues from the Family Hubs teams.

📍 Best Start Family Hub, Chester-le-Street
Gray Avenue, DH2 2EL
Wednesday 4 November | 10–11.30am

📍 Best Start Family Hub, Ferryhill
Beaumont Street, Dean Bank, DL17 8PH
Wednesday 18 November | 10–11am

📍 Best Start Family Hub, Peterlee
Ellison Road, SR8 5NJ
Tuesday 24 November | 10–11am

No booking required.

Find out more about the walks and other opportunities available through he thrives:
https://thriveleisure.co.uk/index.php/activities/he-thrives/

02/11/2026

Sean’s story – more than just rowing

Sean Bell is 56 and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in December 2022.

He had always led an active lifestyle, regularly attending the gym and taking part in various activities. Above all, he was an avid cyclist, competing in cyclocross events regionally for five years.

During last year’s he thrives campaign, Sean came across information about the indoor rowing sessions with Lambton Rowing Club. He contacted the club to find out more and decided to give them a go.

Sean already owned an indoor rowing machine and knew that rowing could help him address some of the challenges associated with Parkinson’s. He now attends two indoor rowing sessions every week.

Sean knows that Parkinson’s can bring both physical and less visible challenges, including fatigue, anxiety and depression.

“During a session I feel energised and motivated. There is something about the rhythm and repetition of rowing that demands concentration and commitment.”

But perhaps the biggest benefit isn’t the rowing machine itself. It’s the environment in which Sean does it.

He describes the people around him as friendly, motivational and understanding of his condition. Being part of a club, working towards his own goals and encouraging others has helped him push himself further than he might have done exercising alone.

Turning up twice a week gives Sean a routine and something to aim for. More importantly, it gives him a sense of purpose and a feeling of being involved.

“I am not the man with Parkinson’s who has turned up to exercise. I am a member of a rowing club.”

Sean is clear that rowing doesn’t make Parkinson’s disappear, but it gives him an opportunity to challenge his body, focus his mind and concentrate on what he can do.

And perhaps his biggest message is this:

“Parkinson’s may be part of my life, but it doesn’t have to dictate what I do with it.”

Sean’s story shows how finding out about an activity through he thrives can be the first step towards finding something that works for you.

Find out more about he thrives and the activities available across County Durham:

https://thriveleisure.co.uk/index.php/activities/he-thrives/

02/11/2026

⛳ Fancy giving golf a go?

Whether you've played before or have never picked up a golf club, why not come along to Balls & Brew?

As part of he thrives, we're offering free golf sessions at Cocken Lodge Driving Range Golf Course throughout November.

It's a chance to have a go, meet people and enjoy a hot drink while you're there.

📍 Cocken Lodge Driving Range
📅 Every Tuesday in November
⏰ 7–8pm

Open to men aged 16 and over, equipment provided.

Booking is essential.

📧 To book, email [email protected].

Find out more about he thrives and other activities happening across County Durham 👇
https://thriveleisure.co.uk/index.php/activities/he-thrives/

01/11/2026

Looking for something active to do with the kids tomorrow?

As part of he thrives, dads and their children aged 11+ can enjoy free circuit sessions at TAG Active Arena, The Louisa Centre.

📍 Louisa Centre, Stanley
📅 Every Monday in November, starting tomorrow!
⏰ 5–5.45pm

It's a chance to spend time together, have some fun and try something different.

There's no need to book - just come along in comfortable clothing and bring a drink.

Find out more about the wider he thrives programme:

https://thriveleisure.co.uk/index.php/activities/he-thrives/

01/11/2026

Walking Netball is cancelled this Thursday 5th November at Stanley The Louisa Centre due to maintenance on the cricket nets. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

01/11/2026

Unfortunately Mondays walks at 10:30am from Abbey Leisure Centre is cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

Address

Durham County Council
Durham
DH1

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+443000262539

Website

https://thriveleisure.co.uk/index.php/move/

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