Fairer Communities

Move, Connect And Feel Better This World Mental Health Day

10 October 2026 by Sheena Kotecha

News Post
October 10, 2026

Move, connect and feel better this World Mental Health Day

This World Mental Health Day, let’s talk, listen and support better mental health together, and celebrate how movement can help our minds as well as our bodies.

Real voices, real change

World Mental Health Day takes place on Saturday 10 October. This year’s theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”, reminds us that listening to people’s experiences is essential to creating understanding, inclusion and meaningful change.

Move you way, feel the difference

Movement can lift mood, ease stress and anxiety, improve sleep and build confidence. It matters: Mental Health Foundation research found that inactive people experience three times the rate of moderate to severe depression seen in active people, while regular activity can reduce the risk of depression by up to 30%.

Yet 36% of UK adults do not meet recommended activity levels. The good news? Every move counts. Walk, swim, wheel, dance or join a class — choose something enjoyable, start small and move with others to boost connection as well as wellbeing.

Move with us

ActiveWestminster can help turn intention into action. From free or low-cost Neighbourhood Sports Club sessions and the FREE ActiveWestminster Card to leisure centres, swimming pools, parks, open spaces, accessible facilities and Exercise on Referral support, there are plenty of ways to get moving. Events, training and volunteering opportunities also make it easier to find something local, affordable and right for you.

Start small, move your way – we’re with you every step.

Lord Mayor Joins ActiveWestminster’s Lifesaving First Aid Course

9 October 2026 by Sheena Kotecha

News Post
October 9, 2026

Lord Mayor Joins ActiveWestminster’s Lifesaving First Aid Course

Take your CPR Skills further

Knowing how to recognise cardiac arrest, call 999, perform CPR and use a defibrillator could help save a life. If you are ready to build your confidence, explore our Further Training Offer for additional CPR learning and development opportunities.

Our First Aid Foundation Course is also set to return next year. Keep an eye on the ActiveWestminster website and social channels for dates — then discover the other ways our Skills & Training Programme can help you learn, develop and make an impact in your community.

More ways to learn

The course is part of our Skills & Training Programme, offering free foundation courses, routes into further training and access to bursary support for people who live, work or study in Westminster.

Next up is our Inclusive Coaching Workshop on Wednesday 4 November, 6pm–9pm at North Paddington Youth Club. Discover practical ways to make sport and physical activity more welcoming and accessible – book your place now.

Thank you to North Paddington Youth Club for hosting our first aid training.

Newbies Save 20% on Sayers Croft Residentials!

8 October 2026 by Sheena Kotecha

News Post
October 8, 2026

Newbies Save 20% on Sayers Croft Residentials!

Give pupils an unforgettable outdoor learning adventure with a year-round residential stay at Sayers Croft – and NEW school customers can get 20% off stays between November 2026 and February 2027.

Adventure, learning and fresh air all year round

Sayers Croft offers exciting residential trips throughout the year, giving schools the chance to take learning beyond the classroom and into the outdoors.

From building confidence and teamwork to exploring nature and trying new activities, a residential stay can help pupils make memories, grow skills and enjoy time together in a safe and inspiring setting.

20% off for new school customers

To help more schools experience Sayers Croft during the quieter autumn and winter months, new school customers can get 20% off residential stays taking place between November 2026 and February 2027.

Westminster schools already receive a 43% discount on the original price, and eligible new Westminster school customers can save up to 54% with this new offer.

Simply quote NEW20 when enquiring to access the offer.

Please read the full terms and conditions before

Plan your next school residential

Whether you are planning a first residential or looking for a new outdoor learning experience, now is a great time to explore what Sayers Croft can offer your pupils.

The Vitality Westminster Mile Delivers An Iconic, Record-Breaking Day

28 September 2026 by Sheena Kotecha

News Post
September 28, 2026

The Vitality Westminster Mile Delivers An Iconic, Record-Breaking Day

Over 8,000 finishers. One iconic route. A world-record pyjama party.

The 2026 Vitality Westminster Mile filled the heart of the capital with family fun, record-breaking moments and an unforgettable celebration of movement.

The 2026 Vitality Westminster Mile took over central London, with more than 8,000 finishers completing the iconic route around St James’s Park from The Mall to a spectacular finish outside Buckingham Palace.

The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Karen Scarborough, got the day under way as starter for the first wave, while Councillors Robert Rigby and Ben Sewell were among those joining in and celebrating the occasion.

The Mall became the world’s biggest pyjama party as hundreds of children, parents and families tackled the mile in PJs, stripes and fleecy onesies. From toddlers in buggies to three generations crossing the line together, the day captured what this London 2012 legacy event is all about: making activity fun, accessible and inclusive.

The buzz continued at the free Vitality Wellness Festival in Green Park, with cricket, basketball, dance, martial arts, crafts and high-energy Guinness World Record challenges. Olympians Chris Thompson and Montell Douglas joined the fun, before Cameron Boyek won the men’s BMC Bannister Mile and Kate Axford equalled the women’s course record in 4:23.

What an amazing day! A huge thank you to the organisers, sponsors, partners and volunteers who made it all possible, and to every participant who brought such incredible energy to the course. Together, you made the 2026 Vitality Westminster Mile an iconic, record-breaking celebration that Westminster will never forget.

Ready for another unforgettable mile? Entries for the 2027 Vitality Westminster Mile on Saturday 25 September are now open.

Just Turn Up And Get Moving

22 September 2026 by Sheena Kotecha

News Post
September 22, 2026

Just Turn Up and Get Moving

Free, fun and pressure-free multisport sessions are landing at Paddington Recreation Ground for young people aged 11 to 16. No trials, no stress, no need to be sporty, just turn up, move, play and have a laugh.

FREE sessions every week

Just Turn Up gives 11 to 16 year olds a welcoming space to get active, try different activities and enjoy time with others at their own pace.

Sessions take place every Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm to 5pm at Paddington Recreation Ground. Meet on the MUGA by the track and get ready to move, play and see what you enjoy.

No pressure, just play

These open, inclusive multisport sessions are all about having fun in a safe and supportive space. You can join in, try something new, build confidence or simply enjoy being active with others.

You do not need experience, fancy kit or a perfect game plan. Come as you are, bring your energy and have a go – everyone is welcome.

Ready when you are

Whether you want to run around, learn a new skill, meet people or shake off the school day, Just Turn Up is a simple way to get involved without any fuss.

Just turn up and join the fun. Free sessions run every Wednesday and Thursday, 4pm to 5pm, on the MUGA by the track at Paddington Recreation Ground.

Football, Fun And Community Spirit Take Centre Stage

18 September 2026 by Sheena Kotecha

News Post
September 18, 2026

Football, fun and community spirit take centre stage

More than 150 young people came together for Unity in the Community — a brilliant celebration of grassroots football, teamwork and local pride in Westminster.

From friendly competition to cheering from the sidelines, the event was all about helping young residents get active, build confidence and feel part of something bigger.

A brillitant day on and off the pitch

Unity in the Community brought young players, families, local clubs and community partners together for a fun-filled day of football and connection.

With four age categories taking part, the event created a safe, welcoming space for young people to enjoy sport, meet others and celebrate the power of community.

More than just football

The day was about much more than the final score. It supported grassroots football, strengthened local partnerships and helped young people build confidence through organised sport.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who helped make the event possible — from clubs and coaches to volunteers, families, partners and supporters.

Get the full lowdown

Want to see how the day went?

Head to the Unity in the Community event page for the full recap, key highlights and event impact.

Keep an eye on the ActiveWestminster website for next year’s event dates and in the meantime, explore more ways to get active, try something new and connect with sport in your local area.

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