Sheena Kotecha

#Lead with Love this Easter and Make it Stress Free – Stress Awareness Month April 2025

Stress Awareness Month 2025 - #Leadwithlove this Easter

As we enjoy a well-deserved pause over the Easter break, it’s the perfect moment to slow down, reflect, and check in with ourselves. We’re already halfway through April, which also means we’re halfway through Stress Awareness Month—an annual initiative led by the Stress Management Society for over 30 years.

This important campaign shines a spotlight on the impact stress can have on our mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, while providing helpful resources and techniques for managing it effectively.

What is Stress?

Stress is a natural physical response—your body’s way of preparing to deal with perceived threats by switching into “fight or flight” mode. While stress in small doses can be useful, being in a constant state of stress can take a toll on your health and wellbeing.

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, it’s easy to miss the early signs of stress and burnout. Taking a step back during times like Easter can help us recognise when we need rest, support, or a change in routine.

This Year’s Theme: #LeadWithLove

The 2025 theme for Stress Awareness Month is #LeadWithLove—a powerful call to action rooted in the idea of Unconditional Positive Regard. It encourages us to show kindness, compassion, and acceptance not just to others, but to ourselves too.

We often speak to ourselves far more harshly than we would to a friend. This theme invites us to flip that script and become our own biggest supporters—especially during challenging times

Nourish Yourself Physically and Mentally

In stressful moments, things like exercise and proper nutrition are often the first to fall off our schedules—but they’re vital for helping us manage stress.

Regular movement can increase the production of feel-good endorphins, ease anxiety, and improve overall mood. The Department of Health recommends 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity activity each week, but studies show only 65.5% of men and 54% of women are meeting that goal.

The good news? You don’t need to hit the gym to feel the benefits. A walk in the fresh air, a short yoga session, or even some calming breath work can make a real difference.

A Gentle Reminder this Easter

As we relax and recharge over the Easter break, let’s remember to take care of ourselves with the same love and patience we’d offer someone we care about.

We’re halfway through Stress Awareness Month—there’s still plenty of time to tune in, reset, and take positive steps for your mental and emotional wellbeing.

For more support and resources, visit the Stress Management Society website.

Wishing you a calm, kind, and restorative Easter

#Lead with Love this Easter and Make it Stress Free – Stress Awareness Month April 2025

Stress Awareness Month 2025 - #Leadwithlove this Easter

As we enjoy a well-deserved pause over the Easter break, it’s the perfect moment to slow down, reflect, and check in with ourselves. We’re already halfway through April, which also means we’re halfway through Stress Awareness Month—an annual initiative led by the Stress Management Society for over 30 years.

This important campaign shines a spotlight on the impact stress can have on our mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, while providing helpful resources and techniques for managing it effectively.

What is Stress?

Stress is a natural physical response—your body’s way of preparing to deal with perceived threats by switching into “fight or flight” mode. While stress in small doses can be useful, being in a constant state of stress can take a toll on your health and wellbeing.

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, it’s easy to miss the early signs of stress and burnout. Taking a step back during times like Easter can help us recognise when we need rest, support, or a change in routine.

This Year’s Theme: #LeadWithLove

The 2025 theme for Stress Awareness Month is #LeadWithLove—a powerful call to action rooted in the idea of Unconditional Positive Regard. It encourages us to show kindness, compassion, and acceptance not just to others, but to ourselves too.

We often speak to ourselves far more harshly than we would to a friend. This theme invites us to flip that script and become our own biggest supporters—especially during challenging times

Nourish Yourself Physically and Mentally

In stressful moments, things like exercise and proper nutrition are often the first to fall off our schedules—but they’re vital for helping us manage stress.

Regular movement can increase the production of feel-good endorphins, ease anxiety, and improve overall mood. The Department of Health recommends 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity activity each week, but studies show only 65.5% of men and 54% of women are meeting that goal.

The good news? You don’t need to hit the gym to feel the benefits. A walk in the fresh air, a short yoga session, or even some calming breath work can make a real difference.

A Gentle Reminder this Easter

As we relax and recharge over the Easter break, let’s remember to take care of ourselves with the same love and patience we’d offer someone we care about.

We’re halfway through Stress Awareness Month—there’s still plenty of time to tune in, reset, and take positive steps for your mental and emotional wellbeing.

For more support and resources, visit the Stress Management Society website.

Wishing you a calm, kind, and restorative Easter

On The Ground – Sharing Your Stories: April’s NSC Spotlight

On The Ground - Sharing Your Stories: April's NSC Spotlight

Jumping into Joy: Family Parkour in Full Swing!

This month, we’re flipping the spotlight on of the awesome parents and kids who’ve been leaping, climbing, and laughing their way through our Family Parkour Sessions — and loving every second of it!

parkour nsc on the ground

 

But before we dive into their stories, meet the powerhouse behind it all: Parkour Generations London.

These folks don’t just do parkour — they live it. From creating the world’s biggest parkour teaching program to performing on international stages, working with filmmakers, advising governments, and even exploring the science behind movement, they are the real deal.

And the best part? They believe movement can change lives. Whether it’s a Hollywood stunt or a Sunday morning hop with your kid, Parkour Generations London brings that same passion and purpose to everything they do.

Family Parkour Sessions:

  • St Augustine’s (NW)
  • Sundays, 11:00–11:30 a.m.

Perfect for parents and kids who want to move, bond, and have a blast!

See below some the heartwarming, high-energy stories from families who’ve been jumping into something new — together.

Here’s what the participants had to say:

These Parkour classes have put me back into shape, while having fun with my kids! - Fred. We started when my son was 5 and he's now 11- we keep coming back! Chris is a fantastic teacher. He has such a perfect tone when communicating with the kids - he's fun, gentle and clear. He's also great at helping the adults to make progress - I've learnt a lot from his suggestions. It's quite a feat to make a class that works for both a 3 year old and a 45 year old! Hats off to him. My son loves him too, because he's so encouraging and positive. Can't speak highly enough about this class, really. It's such a wholesome, fun, nourishing thing to do on a Sunday morning!
Effie
Parkour Generations London - Family Sessions User
It’s one of the highlights of each week. The kids absolutely love it and we plan our Sundays around it. Chris is the most unbelievable coach. If it wasn’t for him, I’m not sure we would be attending every week. He’s so encouraging and wonderful with the kids, endlessly patient and very very kids and supportive to the parents!
Jo
Parkour Generations London - Family Sessions User

Interested in other physical activity sessions?

Then discover everything else the NSC programme has to offer — just hit the button below!

Want to share your experience?

Your stories inspire us — and others! If you’ve taken part in an NSC session and want to share your experience, we’d love to hear from you. Click the button below to reach out.

Deadline Extended – Footballers Sign Up For Unity in the Community by Friday 11 April!

Get Ready for the Unity in the Community Football Tournament on Sunday April 13

Unity In The Community is a fun and FREE, event brought to you by the wonderful team at Everyone Active in partnership with ActiveWestminster. 

This is an annual event that takes place at Paddington Recreation Ground. This year it will be held on Sunday 13 April as part of the ActiveWestminster Weekend (12 and 13 April) happening across all the leisure centres in Westminster. 

Mixed Football Tournament

Unity In The Community (UITC) aims to bring the community together and provide a friendly environment where players can compete and show off their fancy footwork! This is mixed gender football competition, which invites local players and teams from all corners of Westminster and beyond to UNITE, compete and showcase their skills at our state of the art pitches. 

Girls Football Festival

The Girls ONLY Football Festival will be taking place alongside UITC and kicks off with a fun filled skills session, followed by non-competitive friendly matches. 

Registrations are now  open until Friday 11th April. Make sure you sign up soon!

Active Westminster Weekend

Football not your thing? Not to worry, there are plenty of other activities you can participate in. From Badminton and swimming, to yoga and Zumba, there is something for everyone. Find an activity you like and get ready to bring it! Active Westminster Weekend Activities

2025 APR UITC Poster A3

For full details visit our dedicated Unity In The Community webpage and for any further questions, please can contact Ryan Denys on ryandenys@everyoneactive.com

Move and Meet the Community with ActiveWestminster Weekend on 12 & 13 April!

Move and Meet the Community with ActiveWestminster Weekend on 12 & 13 April!

ActiveWestminster Weekend is back in partnership with Everyone Active to bring all you lovely residents of Westminster FREE fitness classes, sports events and taster sessions to get you moving whilst engaging with your local community. Our annual Unity in the Community Football Tournament will also be part of the schedule this year. Make sure you sign up soon for this one – Registrations close Friday 11 April!

This a a great opportunity to visit our sport and leisure facilities, and try new activities or restart ones you might not have engaged in for a while. Activities are open to all residents, including children and families (some age restrictions may apply – please check in advance to avoid disappointment) as well as visitors. 

Below is a list of all the participating centres:

To find out what going on head over to Everyone Actives ActiveWestminster Weekend Information page.

Please note that places per activity are limited. To avoid disappointment and help keep staff and participants safe, please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to sessions in order to complete registration with a member of staff. Under 16s should be accompanied by an adult at all times.  

You will also have the chance to sign up for our ActiveWestminster Card. This is a free card for people who live or study in Westminster and gives access to a range of discounted activities such as group exercise classes, swimming and racquet sports. You will also be able to learn more about Everyone Active’s memberships. 

 

aw weekend general website feature
unity in the community

FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

Show off Your Fancy Footwork!

That’s right all you footballers out there! The Unity in the Community Football Tournament is a part of the Active Westminster Weekend this year on Sunday 13th April. There will be a Mixed Football Tournament as well a Girls Football Festival. Make sure you sign up soon –Registrations close Friday 11 April!

If you have any questions about the ActiveWestminster weekend, please contact us.

Fun times ahead this Easter with Edutain and Edutain+ Holiday Camps!

Fun times ahead this Easter with Edutain and Edutain+ Holiday Camps!

Are you looking for ways to keep the kids active this Easter? 

Look no further! As always The Edutain+ and Edutain holiday camps are going to be running and providing a supportive, inclusive and vibrant environment where children from all walks of life can participate in a variety of activities.

Edutain+, Inclusive Fun for Children with Disabilities! 

Edutain+ is specially designed for children with disabilities, offering a range of engaging activities to keep them active and entertained.

Dates: 

  • 1st Week: Tuesday 8th April, Wednesday 9th April, and Thursday 10th April
  • 2nd Week: Tuesday 15th April, Wednesday 16th April and Thursday 17th April.                                                                                                  

Time: 10am – 3pm

Ages: 8 – 16

Location: Academy Sports Centre – Torquay Street, W2 5EW

For more information, call 07891 386 688 or email leonard.lionel@sportwestminster.org

*BOOKING IS REQUIRED*

Get Active this Easter With Edutain!

Looking for a way to get the kids to burn all that energy from the easter eggs? Make sure you sign them up for the Edutain Easter Camp!

From sports, and drama to arts and crafts, the camp team will keep the kids active and busy in a fun, engaging and safe environment. 

Dates: 

  • 1st Week: Monday 7th – Friday 11th April
  • 2nd Week: Monday 14th – Thursday 17th April

Time:

10am – 3pm

Ages:

8–13

Two Locations:

  • Academy Sport, Torquay Street W2 5EW
  • Community Centre (Under Morgan House), Lillington Gardens, SW1V 2LF

*BOOKING IS REQUIRED

For more information, call 07956 956167 or email ryan.denys@sportwestminster.org

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