physical activity for veterans in Durham. Staying physically active can be an important part of maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle after military service.
For many veterans, physical activity can provide more than fitness. It can create opportunities to meet other people, build routines, stay connected with the community and take part in enjoyable activities.
For veterans and their families in County Durham, local community activities can provide a practical way to remain active while developing social connections.
SMARTT Veterans CIC supports veterans and their families across the North East of England and provides a range of community activities alongside employment, education and training, mental health, housing and food support.
physical activity for veterans in Durham. Why Is Physical Activity Important for Veterans?
Physical activity can be beneficial at different stages of life.
For veterans, regular activity may provide opportunities to:
- Stay physically active
- Develop a regular routine
- Meet other people
- Spend time outdoors
- Build social connections
- Develop confidence
- Participate in team activities
- Maintain an active lifestyle
Physical activity does not necessarily mean intense gym workouts or competitive sport.
Walking, recreational football, fitness sessions, group activities and other forms of movement can all provide opportunities to stay active.
The most suitable activity will depend on an individual’s circumstances, interests and physical ability.
Physical Activity Can Also Support Social Connection
Physical activity for veterans in Durham. One of the advantages of group activities is the opportunity to meet other people.
After leaving military service, some veterans may experience changes in their social routines and connections.
Taking part in a local activity can create a regular opportunity to:
- Meet other veterans
- Make new friends
- Talk with people who have shared experiences
- Spend time with family
- Become part of a local community
- Develop new interests
SMARTT Veterans’ community activities include walking football and other veteran-focused activities designed to encourage participation and connection.
1. Walking Football for Veterans
Walking Football can be an accessible form of physical activity for people who enjoy football but want a lower-impact version of the traditional game.
SMARTT Veterans runs weekly walking football sessions at Consett FC for veterans, including over-50s and younger veterans in County Durham. The programme combines physical activity with a social environment and opportunities for camaraderie.
The activity can provide an opportunity to:
- Stay active
- Meet other veterans
- Develop friendships
- Enjoy team sport
- Maintain a regular routine
- Become involved in the local veteran community
Current session arrangements can change, so veterans should check directly with SMARTT Veterans for the latest information. Physical activity for veterans in Durham
2. Active in Consett: The Family Way
Physical activity does not have to be limited to veterans alone.
SMARTT Veterans currently promotes Active in Consett: The Family Way, a fully funded weekly fitness programme for veterans and their families at Belle View Stadium.
The programme is designed for:
- Veterans
- Partners
- Children
- Families
The current programme information describes weekly 90-minute sessions throughout the year, with activities changing according to the season.
Activities may include:
- Fitness circuits
- Agility games
- Dodgeball
- Tag rugby
- Team games
- Family challenges
- Indoor activities during colder months
This type of activity can help make physical wellbeing a shared family experience. Physical activity for veterans in Durham
3. Family Fitness Can Build Stronger Connections
For veterans with families, finding activities that everyone can participate in can be valuable.
Family activities can create opportunities to:
- Spend quality time together
- Encourage children to be active
- Build positive routines
- Try new activities
- Meet other families
- Develop community connections
A family-focused programme can also make physical activity feel less like an individual responsibility and more like a shared experience.
4. Start With an Activity You Enjoy
The best activity is often one that you are comfortable continuing.
You could consider:
- Walking
- Football
- Walking Football
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Gym-based exercise
- Running
- Fitness classes
- Team sports
- Outdoor activities
- Family games
You do not need to become highly competitive to benefit from being more active. Physical activity for veterans in Durham
Start at a level that is appropriate for you and increase activity gradually if suitable.
If you have concerns about your ability to participate in physical activity, seek appropriate advice from a healthcare professional.
5. Create a Regular Routine
A regular routine can make it easier to stay active.
For example:
Monday: Walking
Tuesday: Rest or light activity
Wednesday: Fitness session
Thursday: Walking
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Community or sports activity
Sunday: Family outdoor activity
Your routine does not need to look like this.
The important point is to find activities that fit your lifestyle.
For veterans transitioning into civilian life, creating new routines can also provide structure and opportunities to remain engaged with the community.
6. Physical Activity and Mental Wellbeing
Physical activity is not a replacement for professional mental health treatment, but it can be one part of a wider wellbeing routine.
Being active can provide opportunities to:
- Spend time outdoors
- Meet other people
- Establish a routine
- Focus on an activity
- Participate in something enjoyable
- Reduce time spent isolated
SMARTT Veterans identifies mental health support as one of its core areas of veteran support and also provides community activities that encourage connection and participation.
If you are experiencing significant mental health difficulties, seek appropriate professional support.
7. Exercise Does Not Have to Be Expensive
Many people associate fitness with gym memberships or expensive equipment.
However, there are many low-cost or free ways to stay active.
Examples include:
- Walking
- Local parks
- Community sports
- Home-based exercise
- Outdoor activities
- Group activities
- Veteran community programmes
SMARTT Veterans currently promotes Active in Consett: The Family Way as a free, fully funded weekly fitness programme for veterans and their families.
Programme availability and arrangements can change, so check current details directly with SMARTT Veterans.
8. Join a Veteran Community Activity
If you are looking for motivation, joining a group can make physical activity more social.
Instead of exercising alone, you can participate with other veterans.
This can provide opportunities to:
- Meet people
- Develop friendships
- Share experiences
- Stay motivated
- Participate regularly
- Learn about other local activities
SMARTT Veterans also supports the Consett Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club, which provides another opportunity for veterans and serving personnel to meet and connect with the local Armed Forces community.
9. Physical Activity Can Help Create a Sense of Routine
Military service often involves structured routines.
Civilian life can be very different, particularly after leaving the Armed Forces.
Regular physical activity can become one part of a new routine.
For example:
Morning walk → work/training → family time → evening activity
A regular routine can help create structure around employment, training, social activities and personal time.
10. Physical Activity and Veteran Families
Family involvement can make staying active more enjoyable.
Parents and children can participate in:
- Walking
- Cycling
- Outdoor games
- Family fitness
- Team activities
- Local sports
- Community events
SMARTT Veterans’ Active in Consett programme specifically includes veterans, partners and children, helping create an opportunity for families to participate together.
11. Staying Active as You Get Older
Physical activity can remain important as veterans get older.
The type and intensity of activity may need to change over time.
Lower-impact activities can provide alternatives for people who do not want to participate in high-impact sports.
Walking Football is one example of an activity designed around a slower pace than traditional football.
SMARTT Veterans’ Walking Football programme includes veterans aged over 50 as well as younger veterans.
12. Don’t Compare Your Fitness With Other People
Everyone starts from a different point.
One veteran may already exercise regularly, while another may be returning to physical activity after a long break.
Avoid comparing your progress with someone else’s.
Instead:
- Start where you are
- Set realistic goals
- Build consistency
- Choose activities you enjoy
- Take rest when needed
- Increase activity gradually
The objective is to create a sustainable routine rather than trying to change everything immediately.
13. Combine Physical Activity With Other Support
Physical activity is only one part of a healthy and connected civilian life.
Veterans may also benefit from:
- Employment support
- Education and training
- Mental health support
- Housing advice
- Family support
- Volunteering
- Social activities
- Financial or welfare support
SMARTT Veterans provides support across several of these areas, allowing veterans and families to explore different types of assistance depending on their circumstances.
Physical activity for veterans in Durham. A Simple Physical Activity Plan for Veterans
If you want to become more active, start with manageable steps.
Step 1: Choose an Activity
Pick something you enjoy.
Step 2: Start Gradually
Do not feel that you need to achieve a major fitness goal immediately.
Step 3: Create a Routine
Choose regular days and times that work for you.
Step 4: Involve Other People
Invite family members, friends or other veterans where appropriate.
Step 5: Try a Community Activity
Look for local veterans or community activities.
Step 6: Review Your Progress
After a few weeks, consider what is working and what you enjoy.
Physical activity for veterans in Durham | Physical Activity Checklist for Veterans
☑ Choose an activity you enjoy
☑ Start at a comfortable level
☑ Create a regular routine
☑ Consider group activities
☑ Involve family where appropriate
☑ Explore local veteran programmes
☑ Stay hydrated
☑ Allow time for rest and recovery
☑ Seek professional advice if you have health concerns
☑ Focus on consistency rather than perfection
How SMARTT Veterans Supports Active Veterans in County Durham
SMARTT Veterans provides community-focused opportunities for veterans and families in the Consett and wider County Durham area.
Current activities include:
Physical activity for veterans in Durham | Walking Football
Weekly veteran-focused Walking Football sessions at Consett FC provide opportunities for physical activity, social connection and camaraderie.
Active in Consett: The Family Way
A fully funded weekly fitness programme for veterans and families at Belle View Stadium, with activities designed for different seasons and family participation.
Breakfast Club
The Consett Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club provides an opportunity for veterans and serving personnel to meet and connect within the local community.
These activities sit alongside SMARTT Veterans’ wider support in employment, education and training, mental health, housing and food/welfare.
Physical activity for veterans in Durham | Get Active and Stay Connected
Physical activity can be much more than exercise.
For veterans, it can provide a reason to get out, meet people, develop a routine and become more connected with the local community. Physical activity for veterans in Durham
Whether you prefer Walking Football, family fitness, walking, outdoor activities or another form of exercise, the important thing is to find an activity that works for you.
If you are a veteran or family member in County Durham and would like to learn more about local veteran activities and support, SMARTT Veterans CIC can be a useful starting point.
Physical activity for veterans in Durham | Contact SMARTT Veterans CIC
Belle View Stadium
Consett AFC
County Durham
DH8 7BF
Phone: 01207 588886
Mobile: 07592 628674
Email: info@smarttveterans.org
