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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

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

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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

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.

These were the winners in each category:

  • U10s – Westway
  • U12s – London Capital
  • U14s – Eribri (Sport Empowered)
  • U16s – Rockingham FC

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.

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

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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

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