thriveleisure.co.uk

Table Tennis

Delivered by Topspin Table Tennis Club and Coxhoe Table Tennis Club, these friendly and social sessions are a great opportunity to get involved in table tennis as part of he thrives. Whether you’re new to the sport or have played before, come along, get moving, develop your skills and meet others.

Session information

Sundays in November – 10.00am–12.00pm
Quebec Village Hall
Delivered by Topspin Table Tennis Club

Tuesdays in November – 12.00pm – 2.00pm
Coxhoe Active Life Centre – Dance Hall Studio, Coxhoe
Delivered by Coxhoe Table Tennis Club

All equipment provided.

No booking required.

Squash

Delivered by Consett Squash Club

A chance 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

10am–11.30am

Saturday 14th November

10am–11.30am

Venue: Consett Leisure Centre

Places are free but limited, and booking is essential.

To book your place, email northwellbeingteam@durham.gov.uk

Walking Cricket

Delivered in partnership with Durham Cricket Foundation, these free Walking Cricket sessions offer a slower-paced version of the game, making cricket more accessible while keeping all the fun and social side of the sport.

They’re a great way for men to stay active, try something different and meet others in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Session information

Date Time Venue
Mondays 4.00pm till 5.00pm Freemans Quay Leisure Centre
Wednesdays 10.00am – 11.30am Teesdale Leisure Centre   
Wednesdays 11.30am – 12.30pm Spennymoor Leisure Centre
Fridays 10.00am – 11.00am The Louisa Centre, Stanley
Fridays  10.00am – 11.30am Shildon Sunnydale Leisure

No need to book just go along wearing suitable and comfortable clothing – all equipment will be provided. 

Indoor Bowls

Delivered by Durham Indoor Bowling Club, come along and give indoor bowls a go as part of he thrives.

A relaxed and social opportunity to get moving, meet others and try something different, whether you’re new to the sport or have played before. All equipment is provided, and you’ll also get a free tea or coffee and a scone.

Session information

Sunday 8 November – 1.00pm–2.00pm
Sunday 8 November – 2.00pm–3.00pm

Sunday 22 November – 1.00pm–2.00pm
Sunday 22 November – 2.00pm–3.00pm

Sunday 29 November – 1.00pm–2.00pm
Sunday 29 November – 2.00pm–3.00pm

Durham Indoor Bowling Club, Abbey Road, Pity Me, Durham, DH1 5GR

Booking: Places are limited and advance booking is essential. To book your preferred one-hour session, please call 0191 384 0700. Bookings can be made Monday to Friday, 10.00am–3.00pm and Saturday, 10.00am–1.00pm.

Pickle Ball

Come along and give pickleball a go as part of he thrives.

Whether you’re completely new to the sport or have played before, pickleball is a fun and social way to get moving, meet others and give something different a try.

  • Suitable for ages 16+
  • Booking required as spaces are limited.

Session information

Saturday 7th November 10.00am – 12.00pm

Venue: The Louisa Centre, Stanley

To book your place, email: northwellbeingteam@durham.gov.uk

Balls & Brew Taster Sessions

Join our Balls & Brew golf taster sessions at Cocken Lodge Driving Range Golf Course every Tuesday in November.

Designed for men aged 16+ who are completely new to golf, the sessions are a chance to have a laugh, try something different and see what all the fuss is about.

You’ll get friendly coaching from Golf Professional Gary Spalding, with all equipment provided, so there’s no need to worry if you’ve never picked up a club before.

  • Beginner-friendly sessions
  • Free hot drink included

Session information

Every Tuesday in November

7pm–8pm

Cocken Lodge Driving Range Golf Course

Places are limited and booking is essential.

To book your place, email Gary at spalding.gazz@yahoo.co.uk

Rowing

Men’s Taster Sessions

Delivered by Lambton Rowing Club, these free sessions offer men a chance to try rowing in a relaxed and social setting. Learn the basics, build strength and enjoy getting active together.

Session information

Indoor sessions at Lambton Castle Ballroom
Tuesdays & Thursdays – 6.00pm

On the water at Lambton Estate
Saturdays & Sundays – 10.00am

To book your place

Email: steven.thompson@lambtonrowing.co.uk

Text: 07791 586283

Boxing

If you’ve always wanted to try a bit of boxing but never known where to start, this is your chance.

Brandon Boxing Club are welcoming men to come along and learn more about boxing in a friendly and supportive environment. These are open sessions where you can learn boxing skills and techniques – there’s no fighting or boxing against another person.

The sessions are a chance to get active, build confidence, learn something new and enjoy being part of a local boxing club.

Venue: Brandon Sports Club, Brandon Lane, Brandon. DH7 8PG

Session information

Tuesdays 6.00pm              Thursdays 6.30pm           Sundays 9.00am

Lads & Dads Open Session

Fridays 6.00pm

No booking required – just come along in sports clothing and get involved.

Men's Hockey Taster Sessions

Delivered by Durham City Hockey Club, these open taster sessions are a chance for men to give hockey a go.

Whether you’ve played before, haven’t picked up a stick since school or are completely new to the sport, come along and give it a go. All abilities are welcome, with no pressure or commitment to join.

Session information

Tuesdays – 8.00pm–9.30pm
Pitch 2, Maiden Castle, Durham

Throughout November

Booking: No booking required. To find out more, contact Men’s Club Captain Pete on 07753 166737 or message the club via Facebook.

Dragon Boat Racing

Delivered by Three River Serpents Dragon Boat and Outrigger Club

A chance to try something different, get active on the water and work together as a team. Whether you’re new to dragon boat racing or have some experience, come along and give it a go.

Session information

Sunday 15th November 10.00am – 11.30am

Please arrive at 9.45am for a warm-up.

Venue: Durham Amateur Rowing Club, Green Lane, Durham

To register your interest, please contact Three River Serpents through their website.

Dads and Kids

 

Dads & Kids Circuit Session

A fun circuit-style session at the TAG Active Arena, giving dads and their children aged 11+ the chance to get moving, have some fun and spend time together.

Date Activity Time Location
Mondays TAG Active 5.00pm – 5.45pm The Louisa Centre, Stanley

Age: Dads and children aged 11+

What to bring: Comfortable clothing and a drink

No booking required

Dads & Kids Gym Introduction

A chance for dads and their children aged 11+ to learn the basics of functional, strength and cardiovascular training using Technogym equipment. A friendly introduction to the gym, helping you build confidence, learn how to use the equipment and enjoy being active together.

Session information

Date Activity Time Location
Thursdays Gym 5.30pm–6.30pm Spennymoor Leisure Centre

Age: Dads and children aged 11+

Places are free but limited, and booking is essential.

To book your place, email admin-move@durham.gov.uk

Dads & Kids Bowling & Soft Play

A chance for dads and their children to spend some time together, get moving and have some fun at Peterlee Leisure Centre.

Free 10-pin bowling and soft play sessions will be available on the following dates:

Date Activity Time Location
Monday 2nd November Strike 10 pin bowling & Soft Play 5.00pm–9.00pm Peterlee Leisure Centre
Tuesday 10th November Strike 10 pin bowling & Soft Play 5.00pm–9.00pm Peterlee Leisure Centre
Thursday 19th November Strike 10 pin bowling & Soft Play 5.00pm–9.00pm Peterlee Leisure Centre
Friday 27th November Strike 10 pin bowling & Soft Play 5.00pm–9.00pm Peterlee Leisure Centre

Booking: No booking required

Terms and conditions apply. Please see the Peterlee Leisure Centre Soft Play and TAG booking terms and conditions and Strike bowling terms and conditions for details.

Dads & Kids Fun Swim Sessions

A chance for dads and their children to spend some time together in the pool, have fun and enjoy being active.

Session information

Date Activity Time Location
Saturdays Swim Session 11.15am –12.15pm Wolslingham Leisure Centre
Saturdays Swim Session 12.00pm – 1.00pm Consett Leisure Centre
Saturdays Swim Session 1.00pm – 2.00pm Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre
Saturdays Rafts and Floats 1.30pm–2.30pm Chester-le-street Lesiure Centre
Saturdays Main Pool 2.00pm – 3.00pm The Louisa Centre, Stanley
Wednesdays Splash Tots (Small Pool) 12.00pm – 1.00pm The Louisa Centre, Stanley
Fridays Splash Tots (Small Pool) 6.30pm – 7.30pm The Louisa Centre, Stanley
Sundays Rafts and Floats 11.00am – 12.00pm Teesdale Leisure Centre
Sundays Rafts and Floats 1.30pm – 2.30pm Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre
Wednesdays Splash Tots (Small Pool) 12.00pm – 1.00pm Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre
Sundays Rafts and Floats 1.30pm – 2.30pm Freemans Quay Leisure Centre
Wednesdays Seaside Splash and Wave 6.30pm – 7.30pm Spennymoor Leisure Centre

Booking: No booking required.

Please note: Leisure centres may require a free leisure card or membership to access the session. Please mention he thrives at reception when attending.

Terms and conditions apply. Please see the Pool safety policy and Pool rules.

Dad Walks

A chance for busy dads to get outdoors, get moving and spend some time together.

We’re linking in with colleagues from Family Hubs teams  across County Durham to offer the following wellbeing walks. Whether you’re new to walking or just fancy some time outdoors with other dads, come along and get involved.

Walk details

Best Start Family Hub, Chester-le-Street
Gray Avenue, Chester-le-Street, DH2 2EL – Wednesday 4 November – 10.00am–11.30am 

Best Start Family Hub, Ferryhill
Beaumont Street, Dean Bank, Ferryhill, DL17 8PH – Wednesday 18 November – 10.00am–11.00am

Best Start Family Hub, Peterlee
Ellison Road, Peterlee, SR8 5NJ – Tuesday 24 November – 10.00am–11.00am

No booking required.

Know Your Numbers - Men's Health MOTs

The NHS Adult Wellbeing Service is offering free Men’s Health MOTs at leisure centres across County Durham, providing a quick health check to help identify potential risk factors such as high blood pressure and offer advice around healthy behaviours.

What’s included?

  • Blood pressure check
  • Pulse check
  • Diabetes risk score
  • Healthy weight and lifestyle conversations
  • A short conversation with a Health Practitioner

When and where?

  • Spennymoor Leisure Centre – Monday 9 November, 4.00pm–7.00pm
  • Louisa Centre, Stanley – Tuesday 3 November, 9.30am–4.30pm & Tuesday 24 November, 4.00pm–7.00pm
  • Seaham Leisure Centre – Tuesday 3 November, 10.00am–3.00pm
  • Peterlee Leisure Centre – Thursday 5 November, 10.00am–3.00pm
  • Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex – Thursday 5 November, 1.00pm–4.00pm
  • Wolsingham Leisure Centre – Tuesday 10 November, 9.00am–12.00pm

Booking: Booking is essential. Please email admin-move@durham.gov.uk to book your appointment.

Please note: These are appointment-only sessions and are not a walk-in clinic.

he thrives at parkrun

 

parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. The 5k event takes place every Saturday morning. Junior parkrun is 2k, dedicated to 4–14 year olds and their families, every Sunday morning.

parkrun is positive, welcoming and inclusive. There is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along.

Events take place in 12 communities across County Durham: Barnard Castle, Blackhill, Chester-le-Street, Durham, Easington Colliery, Hamsterley Forest, Horden, Sedgefield, Shildon, Spennymoor, Stanley and Ushaw Historic House.

parkrun is free and you only need to register once, whether walking, jogging, running, volunteering or a combination. Register here: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/

Suicide Awareness Training

Delivered by If U Care Share, this one-hour Tier 1 Suicide Awareness Training is open to anyone who would like to develop their understanding of suicide awareness and how we can support others. The training will be delivered in person, with places limited and booking essential.

Session information

Date Time Location
Monday 9th November 10.30am – 11.30am Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre
Wednesday 11th November 6.00pm – 7.00pm The Louisa Centre, Stanley
Tuesday 17th November 1.00pm – 2.00pm Spennymoor Leisure Centre
Monday 23rd November 12.00pm – 1.00pm Peterlee Leisure Centre

Booking: Booking is essential. Please email admin-move@durham.gov.uk to book your place.

Men's Stories

Stories from men across County Durham who are thriving through physical activity, community and connection.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to support others while improving your own wellbeing.

It can help you:

  • Meet new people and feel more connected
  • Build confidence and learn new skills
  • Reduce isolation and develop a sense of belonging
  • Gain a sense of purpose and achievement

Whether you have a few hours to spare or are looking for a regular opportunity, there are lots of ways to get involved.

Find out more and register:
Volunteer Durham

Technogym Challenge

This November, men across County Durham are invited to take part in the he thrives virtual activity challenge through the Technogym App.

Whether you’re walking, running, cycling, swimming, attending classes or training in the gym, every MOVE counts towards your total.

How it works

  • Download the Technogym App
  • Join the he thrives challenge
  • Track your activity throughout November
  • Earn MOVE points as you move

Challenge goals and prizes

🏆 50,000 MOVE points
Be entered into a prize draw to win 1 of 2 annual memberships to our leisure centres.

🏅 30,000 MOVE points
Be entered into a prize draw to win 1 of 2 three-month memberships.

🎯 20,000 MOVE points
Be entered into a prize draw to win 1 of 2 one-month memberships.

On Demand Classes

Our on-demand exercise sessions are available anytime through the Technogym App and are designed to fit around busy lives.

Whether you’ve got 10 minutes or a little longer, these sessions make it easier to move more and feel better in a way that works for you.

  • No equipment needed
  • Short, accessible workouts
  • Anytime, anywhere access

Free 7 Day Pass

As part of the he thrives campaign, men across County Durham can access a free 7-day leisure pass.

It’s an opportunity to explore your local leisure centre, try different activities and see what works for you, with no cost and no commitment.

What’s included?

  • Access to gyms, swimming and fitness classes
  • Friendly and supportive staff
  • A range of activities to suit different abilities and interests
  • A welcoming environment to help you get active

How to claim your pass

Visit your local Durham County Council leisure centre or sign up online.

Useful Links

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