Strength and Balance Falls Prevention Classes

Strength and Balance programme is an evidence-based (OTAGO) exercise program, funded by Sunderland City Council for people who live in Sunderland.

This exercise program targets vulnerable, mildly and moderately frail over 50’s who have a history of falls and/or concern of falling, with the key aim of improving their independence and confidence and reducing falls, whilst promoting ‘Living well and Ageing well’ and lifelong participation in exercise and activity.  

Referral Criteria: 

• Aged 50 years+ and live within the Sunderland Council area 
• Motivated to improve and committed to attending a 14-week exercise class in a group setting alongside weekly home exercises  
• History of falls or near misses, concern of falling or reduced confidence, identified as having strength and balance deficits
• Identified as having strength and balance deficits
• Able to walk independently with an aid (3 or 4-wheeled walker/stick) or unaided
• Able to sit to stand from a chair using arms independently
• Able to stand for several minutes at a time, with or without support (such as holding onto a chair, if required)
• Medically stable and in control of any long-term conditions they may have 

The instructor will check that the classes are suitable for you with an assessment. Following the assessment, the instructors will discuss the best option for you if their class isn’t appropriate. The classes take place throughout the year.

Find your Local Class 

To find out more about a local class, and you can self-refer, contact the centre below: 

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East: Millfield, Hendon, St Michael’s, Ryhope, Doxford 

Start date and day: 05/05/2026, Tuesday’s
Time: 1.00 pm
Location: Bede Tower, Burdon Road, Sunderland, SR7 7EA
Contact number: 01915166083
Cost: Free for 14 weeks, Support with transport available 

Start date and day: Regular weekly classes on Wednesday’s
Time: 1.30 pm
Location: Raich Carter Sports Centre, Commercial Road, Hendon, SR2 8PD
Contact number: 01915143077
Cost: £3.00 per session 

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West: St Anne’s, Pallion, Barnes, Sandhill, St Chad’s, Silksworth 

Start date and day: 07/05/2026, Thursday’s
Time: 1.00 pm
Location: St Gabrielle Church, St Gabrielle Avenue, Sunderland, SR4 7TF
Contact number: 01915166083
Cost: Free for 14 weeks, Support with transport available 

Start date and day: Regular weekly classes on Thursday’s
Time: 2.00 pm
Location: Silksworth Tennis and Community Pool, Silksworth Lane, SR3 1PD
Contact number: 01915110611
Cost: £3.00 per session 

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North: Castle, Redhill, Southwick, Fulwell, St Peter’s 

Start date and day: 14/05/2026, Thursday’s
Time: 10.00 am
Location: Castletown Methodist Church, Castle View, Castletown, Sunderland, SR5 3DS
Contact number: 01915634749
Cost: Free for 14 weeks, Support with transport available 

Start date and day: Regular weekly classes on Tuesday’s
Time: 1.00 pm
Location: Fulwell Community Library, Dene Lane, SR6 8EH
Contact number: 01915634749
Cost: £16.00 for 8-week block  

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Washington

Start date and day: 08/05/2026, Friday’s
Time: 10.00 am
Location: Glebe Church, Fatfield Road, Washington, NE38 7DE
Contact number: 0191 5373231
Cost: Free for 14 weeks, Support with transport available 

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Coalfields

Start date and day: 22/04/2026, Wednesday’s
Time: 10.30am
Location: Churchill Community Centre, Churchill Square, Fence Houses, DH4 5PQ
Contact number: 0191 5843840
Cost: Free for 14 weeks, Support with transport available 

Start date and day: Regular weekly classes on Thursday’s
Time: 1.30 pm
Location: Houghton Sports and Wellness centre, Station Road, DH4 5AH
Contact number: 0191 584340
Cost: £3.00 per session 

Find Support

Please find below useful links, relevant resources and contact information. All links open in a new window and may include links to websites, videos, and PDF files for downloading and printing. 

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Links for Life Sunderland

Health is more than what happens in hospitals and doctors' surgeries. It is shaped by where we live, the people around us, and the communities we belong to. Links for Life Sunderland helps people live their best lives by building healthy, happy communities. We connect people to information, local services and support so everyone can feel included and improve their health and wellbeing.

Falls Prevention Exercise classes
Falls-prevention classes and strength and balance programmes are available across Sunderland.

Activities and Exercise Classes
Organisations and individual health and well-being activities in Sunderland. 

Healthy Weight Management Programme
Weight management programmes are delivered across the Sunderland area. 

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Age UK Sunderland

Find out here about activities and events taking place at Age UK Sunderland.

Physical Activity Sessions
Age UK Sunderland runs a number of exercise sessions to help older people stay active and improve their wellbeing.

Community Support Clubs
Age UK Sunderland Community Support Clubs are available Monday to Friday to people aged 50 and over. Each club offers a variety of activities, and there is always a warm and friendly welcome.

Essence Activities
Age UK Sunderland has a varied selection of activities arranged through our Essence Service at Doxford Park.

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Helpful Links 

Find a local Age UK exercise class
Find a local Move it of lose it exercise class

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More on this website

Visit our Information and Advice section
Visit our Staying Active section
Visit our Home Safety section
Visit our Help and Contacts section 
Start your online Self-Assessment

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