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Move, Breathe, Heal: Free Women’s Somatic Therapy Sessions with Hurdles 2 Hoops

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Breathe. Move. Heal. Free Women’s Somatic Therapy Sessions with Hurdles2Hoops

Prioritise Your Mental Health with Free Somatic Therapy at Porchester Centre

As Mental Health Awareness Week comes to an end, we’re reminding everyone that mental health matters all year round — it’s just as important as physical health.

That’s why, as part of the Neighbourhood Sports Club (NSC) Programme, we’re offering weekly somatic therapy sessions for women and girls at the Porchester Centre, every Wednesday from 13:30pm – 15:00pm. The session are funded by the Healthy Communities Fund, (Part of the City of Westminster’s Public Health Fund) through summer until 2026.

Delivered by Hurdles2Hoops (a non-profit supporting asylum seekers and refugees), these inclusive sessions are designed to empower women, reduce isolation, and support mental health through movement and connection. 

What is Somatic Therapy?

A body-based approach to mental wellbeing, somatic therapy uses movement and awareness to release tension, support your nervous system, and restore emotional balance.

These sessions are a blend of breathwork, somatic movement, and Qigong to help you:

  • Release stress and tension
  • Connect mind and body
  • Feel grounded and calm
  • Rebuild resilience

Take a step towards better wellbeing — join us and reconnect with your body and mind.

See what else on with the NSC

Your Community, Your Wellbeing: Get Involved This Mental Health Awareness Week

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Your Community, Your Wellbeing: Get Involved This Mental Health Awareness Week

One week, three ways to feel better – All we are missing is YOU!

From Monday 12th May to Sunday 18th May, we’re proud to support Mental Health Awareness Week – led by the Mental Health Foundation – the UK’s leading charity for mental health. 

This year’s theme is “Community” — highlighting how our relationships and sense of connection to others are vital to our mental well-being. Being part of a community helps us feel supported, valued, and less alone.

What’s on: Free activities across Westminster

At ActiveWestminster, we believe in the power of community to change lives. That’s why, with the support of our leisure partner Everyone Active, we’re running free, inclusive and community-focused wellness activities across Westminster — to help bring people together, move, share, and connect:

  • Mindfulness Painting: A relaxed, creative space to connect with others and take a mindful moment for yourself. No experience needed — just bring yourself and a willingness to unwind.
    Jubilee Community Leisure Centre
  • Badminton & Table Tennis Taster Sessions: Delivered by our friends at Sport in Mind, these fun sessions are a great way to meet new people, move your body, and enjoy a bit of friendly competition.
    Church Street Leisure Centre
  • Yoga Sessions: Gentle, welcoming sessions to help you breathe, stretch, and share a calming moment in a shared space.
    Everyone Active Centres across Westminster

Be part of the movement

Looking for more ways to get involved in Mental Health Awareness Week? Visit the official website for inspiring stories, practical tips, and ways you and your community can support better mental health for all.

Let’s move together towards better mental health. See you there!

Join the Movement

Let It Grow: Westminster Embraces No Mow May

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Let it Grow. Westminster Embraces No Mow May 2025

Unlocking urban biodiversity

This May, Westminster City Council is once again participating in Plantlife’s No Mow May campaign, encouraging residents and visitors to let grass and wildflowers flourish across the city. By pausing mowing in selected parks, green spaces, and all housing estates, the council aims to support pollinators like bees and butterflies, which rely on wildflowers for food. This initiative is part of Westminster’s broader commitment to enhancing urban biodiversity and creating a greener city for all

The benefits to Nature

  • Boost Pollinator Populations: Allowing lawns to grow can nearly double butterfly numbers in rural areas and increase them by 18% in urban settings.

  • Enhance Biodiversity: Longer grass supports a variety of wildlife, offering breeding grounds and shelter for insects, birds, and small mammals.

  • Promote Sustainable Gardening: Embracing a more natural lawn reduces maintenance efforts and supports environmental sustainability

Participating Areas include:

  • Sussex Gardens
  • Westbourne Green Open Space
  • Paddington Green
  • St John’s Wood Church Gardens (selected areas)
  • Paddington Recreation Ground
  • Ministry of Defence section by the wall
  • St George’s Square (selected area)
  • Berkeley Square
  • Victoria Tower Gardens

Join the movement—lock up your lawnmower this May and let nature take the lead. Discover how you can participate by following the link below.

More on No Mow May

Play Streets Are Coming to Westminster! See Which Streets Made the Cut

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Play Streets Are Coming to Westminster! See Which Streets Made the Cut

Thanks to your feedback, three new Play Streets are officially on the way—creating safer, more vibrant spaces where children can play freely and neighbours can come together.

Opening up our streets for play isn’t just about fun. It helps build stronger communities, encourages active lifestyles, and fosters a deeper sense of belonging for everyone.

After reviewing resident feedback and assessing the potential of eight proposed sites, Westminster City Council is excited to confirm that the following Play Streets will be moving ahead:

  • Ashmore Road (Northern section, Queens Park ward)

  • Kilravock Street (Queens Park ward)

  • Northumberland Place (Bayswater ward)

These locations were chosen based on strong community interest, the ability of local residents to help activate the spaces, and previous successful Street Play activity.

Find out more and read the full ‘You Said, We Did’ summary report

Read the Full Summary Report
play street 2

What’s Next?

  • Northumberland Place: Works begin in May and are expected to finish by July.

  • Ashmore Road & Kilravock Street: Implementation starts in July, aiming for completion in August.

We’ll keep you updated with exact timelines as work progresses.

Let’s keep building a more playful, connected Westminster—together!

Discover how Active Streets are transforming your neighbourhoods

Active Streets

Become a Walk Leader and Help Westminster Get Moving!

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  • News

Become a Walk Leader and Help Westminster Get Moving!

April 2025 Walk Leader Full Poster

Join Everyone Active’s next Walk Leader Training qualification on 30th April 2025 from 9:30am – 1pm at the Paddington Recreation Ground.

If you are passionate about physical activity and know that walking is a great way to stay active and healthy, here is your chance to become a certified Walk Leader. In this training course you will be able to:
  • Gain leadership skills
  • Learn about safety and route planning
  • Promote health and wellness in our community
  • Join a supportive network of fellow enthusiasts

Don’t miss this opportunity to access the FREE training and lead the way towards a healthier future. Limited spots available, so sign up by emailing CarjezBryan@everyoneactive.com

Email to Sign Up

ActiveWestminster Weekend Brings Community Together Through Sport and Physical Activity

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  • News Post

ActiveWestminster Weekend Brings Community Together Through Sport and Physical Activity

On the weekend of 12–13 April 2025, Westminster City Council, in partnership with Everyone Active, proudly hosted the ActiveWestminster Weekend—a vibrant celebration of health, wellbeing, and community spirit. Over the course of two days, residents of all ages and abilities were invited to take part in an exciting lineup of FREE fitness classes, sports activities, and taster sessions across various venues in Westminster.

Let’s Play Football!

The initiative aimed to encourage physical activity, promote local sports opportunities, and bring communities together through shared experiences. From dance classes and yoga to multi-sports games and family fitness sessions, there was truly something for everyone.

One of the standout moments of the weekend was the Unity and the Community Football Tournament, held on Sunday at Paddington Recreation Ground. Working in partnership with Everyone Active, ActiveWestminster and the invaluable support of Ballers of London , the tournament saw 223 participants across 21 teams compete in four different age categories, showcasing talent, teamwork, and the power of sport to unite.

The event was made even more special with the presence of the Lord Mayor of Westminster, who joined the community on the day. The Lord Mayor not only cheered on participants but also had the honour of blowing the starting whistle for the U16s match and presenting medals to winning teams and outstanding players.

The ActiveWestminster Weekend is part of a broader council’s strategy to promote physical activity and healthy living across the borough, while highlighting the importance of accessible sports for everyone. Organisers praised the enthusiasm of the community, the dedication of volunteers, and the collaborative spirit of all partners involved.

 Congratulations to all participants. These are the winners in each category for August 2025:

  • U10s – Warsa FC
  • U12s – London Tigers
  • U14s – Warsa FC
  • U16s – London Capital

As Westminster looks ahead to more community-focused events in 2025, this weekend served as a shining example of what can be achieved when organisations and residents come together to celebrate movement, unity, and wellbeing.