It was a wonderful experience. However a 30 minute lesson has limited time for practice. I suggest at least 45 minutes duration makes a lot of sense and will be value for money
Company replied
Location
Switch locationDunston Bank 6, NE11 9PY Gateshead, Dunston, GB
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Nice clean facilities, friendly helpfull staff. Only issue I had was only standing area for hairdryers. Due to my health issues I couldn't stand to dry my hair before leaving I really need to be able... See more
Company replied
I am happy with the swimming lessons my daughter is having. The leisure centre just changed management and had become ‘Better’. The change over happened without much changing and she still has the sam... See more
Company replied
Wide range of facilities and classes, subscription and pay as you go prices are reasonable and good value. Staff are extremely friendly and helpful.
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Company details
Written by the company
Welcome to Better! We’re a charitable social enterprise, committed to the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community. From gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools to lessons and courses for both adults and juniors - plus libraries and children's centres - we've got it all. So whether you’d like to try something new, keep the kids entertained or have a dip in the pool, discover our inclusive range of activities, suitable for all ages and abilities at your local Better centre today.
Contact info
Dunston Bank 6, NE11 9PY, Gateshead, Dunston, United Kingdom
3.6
Average
35 reviews
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This is beautiful and the environment…
This is beautiful and the environment is conducive and nice reception.
May 15, 2025
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Lucky,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
We're delighted to hear that you found the environment at the Dunston Leisure Centre beautiful and our reception welcoming. We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward to hosting you again soon!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
A great first swimming lesson
The teacher was really friendly. The facilties were clean.
It was a little busy with swim clubs, but the small pool was quiet where the lesson took place.
May 6, 2025
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Lucy,
Thank you for your kind words!
We're glad to hear that you had a positive experience at the Dunston Leisure Centre and enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and clean facilities. We understand that it can get a bit busy with swim clubs, but we're happy to know the small pool offered a quieter space for your lesson. We look forward to welcoming you back!
Warm regards,
Charmaine
Nothing “better” about this take over
Failing to see what’s “better” about the company.
Stopped free swimming and gym for disabled members and family. Absolute nightmare trying to get my card sorted (they claim they have made 2 accounts with my email address - why?)
Had us waiting thirty minutes while trying to get this mess sorted with a 2 year old 8 year old and ten year old.
Having us organise proof of disability through a max card to be told it should be emailed through while I was at the centre.
Plenty of other leisure centers around Gateshead, may be time to move
April 24, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Hjoy,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We're really sorry to hear about the issues you’ve faced with your membership and the inconvenience caused during your recent visit to the Dunston Leisure Centre, especially with young children in tow.
We understand how frustrating it must be to deal with account confusion and unclear communication, and we completely agree that this should have been handled better. We're currently reviewing the process around membership verification and disability access to ensure it’s clear, fair, and easier for everyone.
We truly value all our members and are disappointed to hear you’re considering leaving. If you’re open to it, we’d appreciate the chance to make things right. Please feel free to contact us directly at [insert contact info], and we’ll do our best to resolve this quickly.
Thank you again for your feedback — it helps us improve.
Best regards,
Charmaine
Can’t book gym slot
Since better took over the gym, there are no time slots available. Impossible to book. Complete waste of money paying for the membership.
April 11, 2025
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Ian,
Thank you for your feedback. We’re very sorry to hear that you’ve been having difficulty finding availability for gym sessions. While we allow customers a 7-day window to book sessions and strive to offer as much availability as possible, we apologise that you’re finding it challenging to secure a booking.
We will be forwarding your feedback to the Dunston Centre Team to ensure they are aware of your feedback. If you continue to experience any issues booking via the app, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Customer Service Team at customerservice@gll.org for assistance.
Kind regards,
Sarah H
friendly and helpful staff
April 9, 2025
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Steve
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see the Staff at the Dunston Leisure Centre are creating a friendly atmosphere and have been able to help with any enquiries you may have had.
We hope you enjoy using the facilities, and please do not hesitate to ask if you have any further questions!
Kind Regards
Amir
No problems. App easy to use.
I personally have had no problems during the transition period of Better taking over. Staff very courteous and helpful. I've found the the App easy to use.
April 4, 2025
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Dear Lorraine,
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! We’re thrilled to hear that the transition period at the Dunston Leisure Centre has been a positive experience for you. We are always striving to ensure a smooth transition when taking over a new Centre, and we’re so glad that this was reflected in your experience.
We’re also delighted that you’ve chosen us as your leisure provider, and we truly appreciate your continued support.
Thank you again for your kind words!
Best regards,
Sarah H
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Thelma,
Thank you so much for the kind words!
We're thrilled to hear that Odhran provided excellent service. We'll be sure to pass along your feedback to them. If you need any further assistance, feel free to reach out!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Gateshead take over
Not enough information given on how to set up account etc before take over didn't receive instructions until 2 hours before first class very poor service
April 1, 2025
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi JF,
Thank you for your feedback.
We’re sorry to hear about the frustration you experienced with the account setup and communication during the Gateshead mobilisation. We understand how important it is to have clear instructions ahead of time. We’re working on improving our communication process to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Your feedback helps us improve, and we appreciate you bringing this to our attention. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Better gyms dunston
Was at the gym yesterday then I had a email saying i didn't turn up then was blocked from booking a place for the next day
April 1, 2025
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Dunston,
Thank you for your feedback, and I’m really sorry to hear about the confusion.
It sounds frustrating to receive an email like that, especially when you did attend the gym. We’ll look into this issue to ensure it's not a system error. If you’d like, feel free to reach out to our customer support team directly so we can assist you with resolving any issues. Your experience matters to us, and we want to make sure everything goes smoothly next time!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Is the sauna working at Dunston leisure centre
Left and right difficulties - over promised and under delivered. No one wants to own this problem 🤔
April 1, 2025
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Stuart,
Thank you for sharing your feedback.
We genuinely apologise for not meeting your expectations regarding the Healthsuite at the Dunston Leisure Centre. We understand your frustration and acknowledge that we fell short in delivering on our promises. We're actively working to address this issue and ensure it's handled appropriately. Your feedback is important, and we're committed to making improvements. Please feel free to reach out directly if you'd like to discuss this further.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Helpful and friendly staff.
April 1, 2025
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi David,
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback!
We're delighted to hear that you had a positive experience with our staff at the Dunston Leisure Centre. We pride ourselves on providing helpful and friendly service, and it’s great to know that it made an impact during your visit. If there's anything more we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi DC Handrails Ironswork,
Thank you for your feedback!
We're sorry to hear that you found the booking process a bit confusing, but we're glad you were able to get there in the end. If you ever need further assistance or clarification, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help!
Warm regards,
Charmaine
Not a smooth transition from a previous provider
Transition from another provider to better has been appalling. Portal show 0% progress after a recent assessment the previous week where certificates and batches were given out. The previous providers portal shows close to 100% yet better displays 0% on thier own portal with no assessment done. Adult membership ID not sent over as well. It's been stressful. But Better was very quick to set-up direct debits to collect money more than 3 weeks earlier.
March 28, 2025
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi SA,
Thank you for sharing your feedback, and we sincerely apologise for the frustration you've experienced during the transition process. We understand how stressful it can be when things don't go as smoothly as expected.
All customers enrolled in courses will be entered into our system and evaluated as they participate in their lessons with Better after April 1st. They will subsequently be assigned to the suitable level based on their skills, and their progress will be monitored weekly for updates.
We truly appreciate your patience and will ensure that this is addressed as quickly as possible. We also understand your concerns regarding the direct debit, and we’ll make sure everything aligns with the timing that suits you.
Please don't hesitate to reach out directly if you'd like further updates or assistance—your satisfaction is very important to us.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Peter,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We truly appreciate your feedback. It’s wonderful to hear that a team member was able to assist you effectively during the open day event at the Dunston Leisure Centre.
If you have any further questions or need assistance with anything else, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to seeing you again soon and hope you have an opportunity to experience more of what we offer!
Best regards,
Charmaine
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