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Warning: From Monday 19 May the main pool at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre will be closed for four weeks to carry out essential maintenance. The small pool will remain open throughout this time. If you have any queries, please speak to a member of staff.
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Warning: The main works to begin building the new leisure centre for Bishop Auckland will start this summer. To allow preparations to get underway, Woodhouse Close Library will close from Saturday 7 June as part of initial works. The leisure centre will remain open as normal.
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Warning: We would like to inform you that essential maintenance works that are scheduled at Chester-Le-Street Leisure Centre, which will cause some temporary disruption to our services on Tuesday 10 & Wednesday 11 June 2025.
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Home Wellbeing, sport and leisure carers’ policy

Wellbeing, sport and leisure carers’ policy

Wellbeing, sport and leisure carers’ policy

A carer is someone who cares for an individual. They can be a family member or friend who helps an individual, registered with Durham County Carers Support or an employed carer.

Within our leisure centres, all types of carers can accompany an individual free of charge to the gym, Move Hub, exercise class or an aqua class, providing they are supervising and assisting only. Any carer wishing to exercise with their client must have an appropriate thrive membership.

Only carers registered with Durham County Carers Support or carers who are employed, may accompany an individual free of charge to a general swim or Splashability session, providing they have a free thrive card and provide evidence of being a registered carer.

Up to 2 registered carers can attend any 1 session to provide supervision and assistance.

Carers accessibility rules

  • The carer must be always supporting the cared-for individual.
  • If a carer has accessed our facilities free of charge, they are not entitled to do their own workout. For example, they cannot exercise on a piece of equipment next to the individual they are caring for.
  • A carer cannot actively participate in any exercise classes whilst supporting the cared for individual.
  • Carers must always support and assist the cared for person while in the pool area. They must not swim independently.
  • All terms and conditions and activity rules apply.
  • A carer cannot use the sauna or steam rooms for free unless they are always supporting the cared for individual.

Carers in swimming lessons

We are aware some learners require additional support in the water. This may only be for a short period of time, for example, to move between lessons or stages, or to become familiar with a new environment. We will consider all requests and make reasonable adjustments to ensure learners are supported in the water during their swimming lesson.

If a carer/parent/guardian supports a learner in the water, it is essential that the individual requirements of the learner are discussed in advance with the centres Learn to Swim Coordinator. Carers/parents/guardians must only work with, and interact with, the learner they are supporting and should follow the swimming teacher’s instructions at all times. An induction may be required before the first lesson to ensure the centre’s policies and procedures are followed.

Further information

  • Concessions are available on our thrive active and thrive Move memberships if you are receive Carers Allowance.
  • If you are interested in becoming a registered carer, see Durham County Carers’ Support.