Walking into Communities

Walking into Communities

The Walking into Communities project is based in Clay Cross North and South and is open to everyone. It aims to support residents to:

  • Be a little more active and get moving!
  • Feel more included in their community and feel less socially isolated We do this by listening to local people, giving information on what’s already happening in Clay Cross, and supporting residents to set up new activities.

We want to help bring the community together, so local people and groups can support one another. If you feel that you, or someone you know, could benefit from being involved in the project please don’t hesitate to get in touch with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information view our leaflet: Walking into Communities Leaflet

  • Debbie Saint, Walking into Communities Officer, Tel: 07773 201 033 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Why become involved?

By registering for the Walking into Communities Project you can:

  • Get information on existing community activities near you
  • Give your ideas to help shape new activities in Clay Cross
  • Get help to set up a new group or activities
  • Try out our new social or physical activities at the same time as other newcomers or beginners
  • Access opportunities for skill development, training and volunteering

Being more active has significant benefits for health, both physical and mental, and can help to prevent and manage over 20 chronic conditions and diseases, including some cancers, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and depression.

Physical activity isn’t always about joining a gym, it could be a buggy push walk, swimming, chair-based exercise, Zumba, beginners dance classes, yoga, tag rugby, and much more!

When you combine this with meeting and socialising with other people, the fun really begins!

So that we can demonstrate the impact our project has had for local people we will require you to complete a registration form upon joining, and then a small set of questions again at three months, six months, and one year stages.

Support for existing community groups within Clay Cross

We can:

  • Recruit new members to your group
  • Promote your group
  • Incorporate some physical activity into your existing session
  • Fund some taster sessions so you can try out new activities
  • Provide long-term equipment loans
  • Invite guest speakers to give information on health related topics
  • Help to increase the frequency of your group meetings

Forever Active

Forever Active is a daytime session with multisport and exercise activity with the aim of improving your overall wellbeing and a chance to socialise and make new friends. 

This session is suitable for anybody with a long term health or mental health condition, or simply for anybody that would like to try out some new low impact sport and exercise. 

This session currently takes place at Holmgate Community Centre whilst the re-development of Sharley Park Leisure Centre is being carried out. Please note the session must be paid for in advance at Sharley Park Leisure Centre or by using the leisure hub. Please contact Sharley Park Leisure Centre on 01246 217277 for more information regarding payments.

Holmgate Community Centre is located at Valley Rd, Clay Cross, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S45 9QF.

Activities include:

  • Kurling
  • Chair-based Exercise
  • Boccia
  • Table top games

Support for Carers

We would like to offer carers the opportunity to participate in the activities for free of charge.

  • The sessions will be delivered by our Sports Development Coaches
  • Our standard concessionary and leisure pass prices will apply.
  • Sessions are free to JDM unlimited and corporate members.
  • Carers can take part for FREE.

Please contact Debbie on 07773201033 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Physical Activity Champions

We are developing a Physical Activity Network in Clay Cross were people that share the value that physical activity is good for health and wellbeing, can come together, to inspire and support more people to be more physically active.

If you are interested in being part of the network or would like more information, please get in touch.

For more information please contact:

  • Debbie Saint, Walking into Communities Officer, Tel: 07773 201033 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Lynn Johnston, Tel: 07971 654854 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Book Buddies

An ‘non-traditional’ book club for Clay Cross and surrounding areas.

The group meets fortnightly every other Friday morning at 11.30am in the Conference Room at The Hub, Clay Cross, Chesterfield S45 9JN.

The club costs £2 per session, with books and refreshments included.

The group gets together every couple of weeks to discuss the chapters they’ve read, the characters, and what they like or dislike! It’s very informal and friendly, no experience of book clubs necessary. The club is relaxed and allows for social time with light conversation. You'll find yourself discovering books that you wouldn't normally try.

Some of the books the group have read include Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee, Middlemarch by George Eliot and Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier. 

Come along and give it a go!

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!” – Jane Austen

To find out more or if you'd like to try out the group please contact:

  • Lynn Graney, Tel: 07810 142018
  • After contacting, you will then be asked to complete a registration form to join.

Family walking & jogging group

Join in the fun & run! A family event for kids, parents, guardians, aunts, uncles, buggy pushers... The first session is FREE for all. Adults are free for subsequent sessions with a participating child.

  • Every Saturday: 9.30am to 10.30am
  • Price: £3 per session. First session FREE for all. Adults are free for subsequent sessions with a participating child.
  • Meeting Point: Sharley Park Leisure Centre

For more information please contact:

  • Debbie Saint - NEDDC Walking into Communities Officer Tel: 07773 201 033 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Lynn Johnston - NEDDC Walking into Communities Officer Tel: 07971 654854 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • John Cannon - Cannon Events Organiser Tel: 07902 249 316

Water Wellbeing Swim Session

Water Wellbeing

Do you have an injury, long term health condition or simply don’t like exercising on land? Then our instructor led, weekly “Water Wellbeing” session might well be for you.

The unique properties of water make swimming perfect for people of all ages to exercise, particularly those with injuries, impairments, long term health conditions, or those who struggle to exercise on land.

Swimming has a positive impact on a range of physical and mental health conditions including dementia, obesity, cancer, cerebral palsy and pulmonary disease.

This session is not intended to be a swimming lesson. It can be tailor-made for your needs or you can be left alone to enjoy the water or chat to others in the pool.

  • Every Friday: 2.30pm to 3.30pm (Start Date: Friday 3rd March 2023)
  • Price: £3.90 per session. This session is free for carers alongside a paying participant.
  • Where: Sharley Park Leisure Centre
  • Who: Suitable for anyone aged 16+

For more information please contact:

  • Debbie Saint - NEDDC Walking into Communities Officer Tel: 07773 201033 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Lynn Johnston - NEDDC Walking into Communities Officer Tel: 07971 654854 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Partnership Projects

Adults only friendship group

Come down to Kenning Park and join our brand new adults only friendship group. Give your mental health and well being a boost and feel the many benefits of being outdoors with friends. Have a go at a craft, learn a new skill or just relax and chat by the campfire for an hour or so.

Find us at Kenning Park at the fisheries car park, just off Fishes Lane every Friday from 4th of November 12:30 till 3:30pm
everyone is welcome!

Have a go at: 

  • finding wild food
  • crafts
  • making bird feeders
  • carving walks
  • exploring and improving the park

There will be free refreshments and lunch for all that attend.

The group will run weekly from the 4th of November onwards. (Term time only) No need to book, just come along!

For more information you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 07743110078. You can also join the Facebook group.

Adult Only Friendship Group Flyer (.pdf | 1.25mb)

Find out more - follow us on social media

If you want to keep informed of upcoming Walking into Communities events and activities, please contact one of our team, or follow us on social media:

  • Name: Debbie Saint or Lynn Johnston
  • Telephone: 07773 201033 or 07971 654854
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.