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Sheena Kotecha

Yoga for One Earth, One Health: International Yoga Day in Action

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Yoga for One Earth, One Health: International Yoga Day in Action

Join ActiveWestminster in celebrating International Yoga Day 2025—an annual global event promoting balance, wellbeing, and connection between mind, body, and environment. First declared by the UN in 2014 and celebrated every 21 June, this day is all about slowing down, breathing deeply, and moving with intention.

Yoga for People and Planet

This year’s global theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” highlights how personal wellness and environmental health go hand in hand. Across Westminster, our community yoga activities are helping residents embrace physical movement while nurturing mental wellbeing and community connection.

Yoga Activities in Westminster

Yoga supports mental clarity, flexibility, strength, and stress relief which all vital for city life. It’s also a tool for community connection and inclusive wellness, key goals of the ActiveWestminster strategy. Whether you’re just starting out or deepening your practice, yoga offers a space to slow down, recharge and reconnect.

Take a Breath with the World

As people across the globe unroll their mats this International Yoga Day, let’s pause together here in Westminster—stretching into summer, connecting with our breath, and grounding ourselves in community and care.

Namaste.

Check our ActiveWestminster Mark Accredited partners where you can find yoga and a wide range of other physical activity and sport sessions.

AW Mark Partners Directory

Westminster Schools Take The Court At London’s First-Ever Jr. NBA 3v3 Tournament

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Westminster Schools Take the Court at London’s First-Ever Jr. NBA 3v3 Tournament

Earlier this month, Westminster students took centre court at one of London’s most exciting youth basketball events — the inaugural Jr. NBA 3v3 Tournament, held at Trafalgar Square and organised by London Marathon Events in collaboration with the NBA and Basketball England.

Local Talent, Global Stage

This landmark event brought together young players from across the capital to showcase their skills in a high-energy, fast-paced basketball format. And Westminster was proudly represented across both coaching clinics and tournament play.

Westminster Highlights

  • 5 June – Black Prince Trust: NBA Coaching Clinics: Students from Gateway Academy got a taste of elite coaching in a dedicated NBA clinic session, developing key skills and confidence on the court.
  • 6 June – Trafalgar Square: Girls Runner-Up Team: A massive congratulations to Westminster Academy’s girls’ team, who put on a brilliant performance, playing at 13:45 and 14:15 and finishing as tournament runners-up!
  • 6 June – Trafalgar Square: Primary School Coaching Clinics: Young ballers from All Souls CE Primary School and St Mary Angels joined a special morning clinic (9:40–12:15), learning basketball fundamentals and experiencing the thrill of playing in one of London’s most iconic public spaces.

A Slam Dunk for Youth Sport

This event was more than just a tournament, it was a celebration of youth sport, community, and opportunity. ActiveWestminster is proud to have supported Westminster schools in participating, ensuring local pupils could benefit from this unique experience.

A huge thank you to all the players, teachers, coaches, and organisers who made this moment possible. We’re already looking forward to what’s next!

Relive The Action

Essential Improvement Works At Paddington Rec’s Rose Garden And Quiet Garden

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Essential Improvement Works At Paddington Recreation Ground Commence
Monday 23rd June

A rolling programme of improvement works to lift, level and relay the York stone paving will begin on Monday 23 June 2025 at Paddington Recreation Ground.

To ensure these works are carried out safely and efficiently, one-third of the rose garden and quiet garden will be closed to the public at any one time. The rest of the space will remain open so you can continue to enjoy the park during the summer months.

What the Works Involve

Specialist teams will be restoring the York stone pathways to improve safety, accessibility and the overall look and feel of the gardens.

Project Duration

The works are expected to take approximately 9 weeks, depending on weather conditions.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we carry out these essential improvements. We look forward to welcoming you back to a refreshed and enhanced garden space soon.

Stay tuned to our website and social media for updates.

Stay Safe This Weekend: Yellow Heat-Health and Wildfire Alerts Issued

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Stay Safe This Weekend: Yellow Heat-Health And Wildfire Alerts Issued

As temperatures rise across the UK, a Yellow Heat-Health Alert and a Yellow Wildfire Alert have been issued from today and into the weekend. These warnings serve as an important reminder to take extra care, especially if you’re out and about enjoying parks, green spaces, or community activities in Westminster.

Heat-Health alert: What you need to know

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a Yellow Heat-Health Alert. High temperatures can affect anyone, but especially older adults, young children, and people with underlying health conditions.

Key resources to help you stay safe

Cool down and stay safe tips

  • Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol during the hottest parts of the day
  • Wear loose, light clothing and use sun protection
  • Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat (11am–3pm)
  • Keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains and using fans
  • Check in on neighbours, especially older adults and those living alone

Find a Cool Space: Use this interactive map of Cool Spaces in London or register your own venue as a cool refuge

Wildfire alert: Keep green spaces safe

The London Fire Brigade has also issued a Yellow Wildfire Alert, urging residents and visitors to take extra care in parks and open spaces where the ground is dry.

Wildfire prevention tips:

  • Avoid BBQs or open flames in parks, gardens, and green spaces
  • Dispose of cigarettes and glass bottles safely
  • Don’t leave litter – it can become fuel for fires
  • Report unattended fires immediately by calling 999

Visit the London Fire Brigade’s guidance page on wildfires for more information.

We’re working with London Resilience, London Fire Brigade, and partners across Westminster to help keep everyone safe.

Take care and look out for one another

Let’s all do our bit to stay cool, safe, and aware this weekend. Whether you’re heading to the park, leading a community session, or simply walking the dog – be weather-wise and help spread the word.

If you’re organising a community event or activity, consider:

  • Shifting activities to early morning or late evening

  • Providing shaded rest areas and access to drinking water

  • Sharing heat safety tips with attendees

Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy the summer responsibly.

Stay informed

Reggae, Roots & Remembrance: Windrush 77 at Grand Junction

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Celebrate the 77th Anniversary of Windrush with Reggae Stories at Grand Junction

Join us for a powerful evening of music, culture, and community as we mark the 77th anniversary of Windrush with a special concert –Reggae Stories. This vibrant showcase will honour the musical legacy and lived experiences of the Windrush Generation, whose influence continues to shape the sound and soul of Britain.

The Windrush Generation: Building Britain, Enriching Culture

The term Windrush refers to the generation of Caribbean migrants who arrived in the UK between 1948 and 1971, beginning with the arrival of the Empire Windrush ship on 22 June 1948. These individuals were invited to help rebuild Britain after World War II and have made an enormous contribution to British society, from the NHS and transport systems to culture, music, and the arts. Windrush Day (22 June) is a time to celebrate this legacy, while recognising the challenges many faced and the importance of remembering their stories.

Step Into the Rhythm of Windrush: Join the Celebration

Reggae Stories is an uplifting tribute to the voices that shaped a generation. Hosted in the stunning Grand Junction venue, the night features live performances from acclaimed artists including:

  • Omar
  • Lorna Gee
  • Reggae Choir …and more!

Expect unforgettable music, deep cultural storytelling, and a joyful celebration of Caribbean heritage through reggae and beyond.

Tickets & Community Discount

We’re delighted to offer ActiveWestminster communities a 25% discount on tickets! Use the code GJREGGAE25 at checkout or book directly here with the discount.

Event Date: Friday 20 June
Time: 7pm – until late
Venue: Grand Junction, W2 5TF

Come celebrate Windrush with rhythm, remembrance, and community.

Find out more about the Reggae Stories.

Join the Celebration

One Step at a Time with ActiveWestminster: Global Wellness Day 2025

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One Step At A Time with ActiveWestminster: Global Wellness Day 2025

This Saturday 14 June, we’re joining the worldwide movement to celebrate Global Wellness Day, a day dedicated to living well, feeling better, and embracing healthier habits for life.

Global Wellness Day is a not-for-profit initiative celebrated across more than 170 countries with a simple but powerful message:
“One day can change your whole life.” This year’s theme is all about taking a moment to #ReconnectMagenta – reconnecting with yourself, others, and the world around you through movement, mindfulness and small lifestyle changes.

At ActiveWestminster, we believe in the power of community wellbeing and the small everyday choices that make a big difference – whether that’s joining a local walk, attending a fitness class, volunteering, or taking time to recharge in one of Westminster’s parks and open spaces.

7 Steps to a Healthier You

This year’s Global Wellness Day encourages everyone to embrace these 7 easy steps for a more balanced life:

  1. Walk for an hour
  2. Drink more water
  3. Avoid plastic bottles
  4. Eat healthy food
  5. Do a good deed
  6. Have a family dinner
  7. Sleep at 10pm

How You Can Get Involved

  • Join a local wellbeing walk
  • Explore free or low-cost activities with Everyone Active
  • Take a moment for mindfulness in one of our green spaces
  • Try something new with our ActiveWestminster programme

Ready to start your wellness journey? Let Global Wellness Day be the motivation to take a small step toward better wellbeing for your body, your mind, and your community.

Step Into Wellness