Try Before You Bike – Cycle Loan Scheme

Try Before You Bike - Cycle Loan Scheme

Westminster residents are encouraged to cycle with new Loan Scheme

Westminster City Council’s Try Before You Bike scheme is making cycling more accessible for all and with that in mind is giving away 250 free 3-month subscriptions for residents in the following areas:

  • Queens’ Park
  • Westbourne
  • Harrow Road
  • Church Street
  • St James

Plus, the council will also be providing 1-2-1 cycle training to improve your cycling skills and confidence on the road. What’s there not to like?

try before you bike

Residents can hire bikes—including e-bikes and adaptive options—on a flexible, monthly basis. The initiative offers a fantastic set of benefits like free delivery, training, and accessories, with rental costs deducted if participants choose to buy their bike later.

Low-income support and cycling lessons are also available, helping Westminster residents embrace sustainable, active travel.

 

Learn more on the council’s dedicated page by clicking the button below.

FREE Over 50’s Beginners Keep Fit Classes

FREE Over 50’s Beginners Keep Fit Classes

The NSC Programme is offering FREE Weekly over 50s Get Fit sessions for Beginners. The sessions are perfect to start moving and feel amazing:
 
✅ Low-impact workouts
✅ Fun & friendly environment
✅ Build strength, boost energy, and improve flexibility!
 
No experience needed—just come as you are and let’s take the first steps together. 👟
 
TUESDAYS
  • 10.30am – 11.30am
Location: the WECH Community Centre, Selbourne House, 36A Elgin Ave, W9 3AZ
 
Check the NSC Programme for other activity sessions on

These sessions are part of our NSC programme and they are FREE.

The sessions are delivered in partnership with Walterton and Elgin Community Homes and Everyone Active.
get fit over 50s poster

If you have a questions, contact us on active@westminster.gov.uk

On The Ground – Sharing Your Stories: December’s NSC Spotlight is The Avenues Youth Project

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

 
This month we’re featuring  the story of Leo and his Judo progress with The Avenues Youth Project

The Avenues Youth Project is an open-access youth provision based in Queen’s Park ward in Westminster, one of the UK’s 10-20% most deprived neighbourhoods. It is an area of high youth crime, where serious incidents are frequent. Their team of qualified youth professionals welcome young people aged 8-18 to engage in activities, create positive relationships, ignite a passion, and have fun. 

Their youth work is primarily delivered on-site in their purpose-built youth centre, but they also take our young people out into their community and beyond. With the support of Everyone Active and ActiveWestminster’s NSC Programme they run free weekly Saturday Judo sessions for young people in our community aged 8-15 years.

Read Leo’s story 

Leo is a regular member of The Avenues and participates in our Saturday Judo sessions.
Over the past year, Leo has developed from a beginner to a competitor, showing not only improvement in his techniques but also in his personal development. The physical and mental demands of Judo, the structured nature of the sessions, along with personalised attention from our Judo coach have been a huge benefit to Leo. Judo's discipline is helping Leo to direct his energy in a positive way. As a result of his hard work Leo was selected to participate in a Judo competition. Despite nerves and a highly stimulating environment, Leo maintained focus and performed exceptionally well; winning a medal for his efforts. This achievement reflected not only Leo’s Judo skills but also his increased confidence, resilience, and ability to face challenges head on. Leo’s journey with a dedicated Judo coach, who has also become a mentor, highlights the importance of focused, personalised mentorship in sports.

You can check these sessions and others on the NSC programme by clicking the button below.

As always we can’t wait to hear more of your inspiring stories. Contact us if you want to share your experiences from any of the NSC sessions by clicking the button below.

FREE Weekly Children’s Football Training sessions at Elgin Estate

FREE Weekly Children’s Football Training sessions at Elgin Estate

The NSC Programme is offering FREE Weekly Children’s Football Training sessions on Elgin Estate. Why don’t you come along and try them out:
 
SATURDAYS
  • 8-10 years old: 9.15 – 10.15am
  • 11–13 year old: 10.15 – 11.15am
Location: Watson Gardens Sports Pitch, Elgin Estate, Harrow Road, W9 3RU
 
Check the NSC Programme for other activity sessions on

These sessions are part of our NSC programme and they are FREE.

The sessions are delivered in partnership with Walterton and Elgin Community Homes and Everyone Active.
football elgin estate 3

If you have a questions, contact us on active@westminster.gov.uk

Introducing the New ActiveWestminster Strategy 2024-2028

Introducing the New ActiveWestminster Strategy 2024-2028

We’re excited to announce the launch of the ActiveWestminster Strategy 2024-2028! This forward-thinking plan is designed to transform how physical activity, leisure, and sport are integrated into daily life across Westminster. Building on the successes of previous strategies, this updated vision focuses on inclusivity, accessibility, and community wellbeing.

Using the ‘Move for Life!’ framework, the strategy outlines three core themes of delivery:

  1. Active Lives: Encourage more residents to engage in regular physical activity by offering tailored programmes that focus on targeting different needs and abilities.
  2. Active Neighbourhoods: Create vibrant local environments with parks and open spaces, safe streets, and community-led initiatives that inspire movement and connection.
  3. Active City: capitalising on Westminster’s top-class facilities and meaningful partnerships to make physical activity a central part of its identity.

Why This Matters:

Westminster faces unique challenges, such as high rates of inactivity and childhood obesity. The strategy emphasises reducing health disparities, promoting sustainability through active travel, and fostering strong community networks. It also supports programs like Active Streets, which repurpose residential areas for play and active lifestyles, and Active Lives for All, ensuring no one is left behind.

With this strategy, Westminster aims to create a healthier, happier city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive through movement and physical activity.

young adults playing basketball

For more details, visit the ActiveWestminster Strategy page by following the link below.

Celebrating the Winners of the ActiveWestminster Awards 2024

Celebrating the Winners of the ActiveWestminster Awards 2024

The 15th edition of the ActiveWestminster Awards shone a spotlight on the incredible individuals, clubs, and organisations that make Westminster an active, inclusive, and vibrant community. Held at the historic Porchester Hall on Friday November 15, the event recognised the inspiring efforts that bring physical activity, leisure, and sport to the heart of our community.
 
The winners of the 2024 Active Westminster Awards are:
 
Thanks also to our wonderful host Qasa Alom https://qasaalom.co.uk/ and special guest Oliver Lam-Watson, Team GB Paralympian.
Also special thanks to Guy Lansiquot (Winner of the Dance Westminster 2024) who performed a fantastic opening dance with professional dancer from Step Change Studio, Georgia.
 
Well done everyone to all the winners and finalists! It was a great inspiring night. 

Highlights of the night of the Awards 2024