Active Communities | Gateshead

Welcome to Gateshead's Actives Communities page, here you'll find a wide range of activities and programmes designed for everyone to bring residents together. With the aim of encouraging people to be more active more often.

From general activities to specialised activities for the youth, elderly, disabled and women only, we aim to build a strong, healthy and active community.

This page will not only show Better run activities but selected community groups and organisations we are supporting to help us get Gateshead get active.

Gateshead Community Fund

The Gateshead Community Fund is a local funding programme that supports the development of new opportunities for physical health and wellbeing across the Gateshead community. Clubs, individuals, charities, schools, and organisations can apply for funding to deliver projects and initiatives that increase participation in sport and physical activity, and promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

Apply today

We Do Tennis

We have partnered with We Do Tennis to offer more sports across the area. Saltwell Park, Derwent Park and Marley Hill Park are now open for bookings!

Tennis Coaching

Coaching for all the family. We Do Tennis offer junior and adult sessions and Free Parks Tennis every Sunday 10-11am at Saltwell Park! No equipment is needed just book via the button below.

Book now

Court Booking

Court Bookings are available at Marley Hill, Derwent and Saltwell Parks for £4 per hour.

Marley Hill bookings

Derwent Park bookings

Saltwell Park bookings

Annual Passes

Annual Passes can entitle you to up to 7 hours of bookings per week. Play for the whole family from as little as £60 for the year. Adult passes are £40. Junior and concession passes are free and give 50% discounts on all court bookings.

Join now

Senior Sessions

From fitness classes to organised activity sessions, such as badminton, tennis or walking football, find a range of sessions suitable for those aged 60+. Get active, meet people and improve your social, mental and physical health with Better.

Club Games 2026

2026 sees the first North Club Games. Club Games is a multi-sport event for all members and customers of Better centres aged 60+! The event includes timed swim, timed cycle, badminton, walking netball and more! Sign up coming soon!

Seated exercise classes

A gentle seated exercise class for people looking for a low impact session. It’s ideal for those who have completed the falls prevention sessions or anyone who wants something lighter on the body. This class takes place at Blaydon Leisure Centre Mondays 11.45-12.30pm.

Book now

Sensory badminton

Sensory badminton offers the opportunity for disabled people with complex needs and sensory impairments to play badminton in a more engaging way, adapted for their specific needs. Each sensory badminton activity is designed and delivered to reach individual desired goals and celebrate every achievement. We have teamed up with Sense to offer Sensory Badminton every Wednesday 11-12pm at Birtley Leisure Centre. Sign up below.