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Westminster Celebrates Lifelong Volunteers’ Week: Thanking Those Who Make A Difference

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  • News

Westminster Celebrates Lifelong Volunteers’ Week: Thanking Those Who Make a Difference!

This Volunteers’ Week (2–8 June) is a time to recognise, celebrate, and inspire, as people across the UK give their time to strengthen communities. Here in Westminster, ActiveWestminster is proud to partner with Westminster Connects to launch our Volunteering Programme, designed to amplify the impact of volunteering in sport, leisure, and beyond.

About Westminster Connects

Set up at the start of the COVID‑19 pandemic, Westminster Connects brings together residents who want to help with people who need support—such as shopping, gardening, or companionship. It’s a vital platform that connects volunteers with vulnerable community members and local charities

ActiveWestminster Volunteering Programme

Launched in partnership with Westminster Connects, our programme is tailored to:

  • Support local clubs and organisations in posting and promoting volunteer roles.
  • Provide a central platform for sport and physical activity volunteering across Westminster.
  • Encourage individuals who live, work, study, or visit Westminster to discover and register for relevant opportunities

This means whether you’re passionate about coaching, event support, inclusivity in sport, or outdoor projects, there’s a role for you—and it’s all managed through a single, easy-to-use system.

Programme Aims & Benefits

  • For volunteers: Gain practical skills, build confidence, meet new people, and improve wellbeing—all while making a meaningful contribution.
  • For clubs/organisations: Get “volunteer ready”, reach committed helpers, and access training and support including London Volunteer Management Charter standards

Celebrate During Volunteers’ Week

Volunteers’ Week is the perfect time to – it’s not too late: 

  • Say thank you to the many dedicated volunteers supporting ActiveWestminster.
  • Showcase diverse volunteer stories which inspire others to get involved in community sports and activities.
  • Strengthen our local fabric, reinforcing community spirit and collective wellbeing.

Get Involved

Curious to help out or want to find the right fit? Here’s how:

  • Register with Westminster Connects to explore opportunities in sport, education, companionship, and more.
  • Sport-specific roles (e.g., coaching, event support) will be tagged and promoted via ActiveWestminster.
  • Contact our team at active@westminster.gov.uk for any questions about the programme
Find Out How to Make a Difference

Seymour Leisure Centre Community Day: Meet The Team, Hear The Plans, Join The Conversation

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  • News

Seymour Leisure Centre Community Day: Meet The Team, Hear The Plans, Join The Conversation

We’re inviting local residents and community members to a Community Day to get the latest on the exciting refurbishment of the Seymour Leisure Centre and how you can be part of it.

This major improvement project will deliver:

  • A brand new open-plan gym
  • A refurbished swimming pool
  • A modern library and café
  • A children’s soft play area
  • An upgraded climbing wall
  • All while celebrating and preserving the building’s beautiful Art Deco architecture.

Event Details

The event takes place next Saturday 14 June between 12:00 – 3:00p.m at Church Street Leisure Centre, 1 Fisherton Street, NW8 8BF

What to Expect on the Day

  • Updates on the project
  • Information about apprenticeship opportunities in construction
  • An opportunity to meet with the contractors and design team
  • A space to share your views and connect with your community

Get more info via the Seymour Leisure Centre Project

Building a Better Seymour with you in Mind 

Follow the Progress

Celebrate World Environment Day By Recycling For A Cause At Paddington Recreation Ground!

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  • News Post

Celebrate World Environment Day By Recycling For A Cause At Paddington Recreation Ground!

 

This World Environment Day (5 June), join the global movement to #BeatPlasticPollution by taking action right here in Westminster.

Our Reverse Vending Machine in the Pavilion at Paddington Recreation Ground is ready for your single-use plastic bottles and aluminium cans. And every item you deposit it helps both the planet and our local community.

Installed following a recommendation from Westminster’s Climate Assembly and brought to life through the Westminster Innovations Challenge, this machine is a smart solution to reduce waste and do some good

Why it Matters

Recycling aluminium saves 95% of the energy needed to make new cans. Recycling just one plastic bottle can power a light bulb for up to 6 hours. It also keeps harmful waste out of our streets, rivers, and green spaces.

Support North Paddington Youth Club

  • Deposit your cans and bottles into the machine at Paddington Rec.
  • 10p per item goes directly to North Paddington Youth Club.
  • Reach 2,500 items and Everyone Active will donate an extra £500! So far this year we have had 496. 

Why Some Items May be Rejected

To make sure your recycling counts, it’s important to follow a few simple rules. The most common reason for rejected items is missing barcodes—often because they’re part of a multipack where the barcode is only on the outer wrapping.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the top rejection reasons:

  • No barcode 
  • Double bottle inserted 
  • Shape error
  • Unrecognised barcode 
  • Bottle pulled out before scanning
  • Material error
  • Bin full – please notify staff if this happens

** Top tip: Make sure each item has a clear barcode and is inserted one at a time to ensure it’s accepted! **

Find the Reverse Vending Machine in the pavilion at Paddington Recreation Ground today – and be part of of a local effort to protect the planet and support local youth. 

Let’s recycle smart, support our community and #BeatPlasticPollution together.

Level Up With The NSC Programme – Over 150 Hours Of Free And Low-Cost Activities Every Week!

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Level Up With The NSC Programme – Over 150 Hours Of Free And Low-Cost Activities Every Week!

Looking to get more active, meet new people, or try something new in your local area? The Neighbourhood Sports Clubs (NSC) Programme is here to help you level up your health and wellbeing – with over 150 hours of free and low-cost sport and physical activity sessions every week across Westminster.

This exciting initiative, delivered in partnership with Everyone Active and a network of trusted local clubs and organisations, is designed to be inclusive, welcoming, and accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

What’s on Offer?

  • Free and low-cost activities
  • Convenient and local venues
  • A wide variety of sessions – from basketball to yoga, dance, walking clubs and more
  • Something for every age group and fitness level
  • Supportive, inclusive and welcoming environments
  • Run by trusted local coaches and organisations

Whether you’re a complete beginner, returning to activity after a break, or just looking for a fun new way to stay fit, there’s something for everyone.

Time to get going and stay active. 

Check out the full programme asap and find the best sessions for you! 

Explore the NSC Programme

Boost Your Skills This Summer With ActiveWestminster Foundation Training Courses!

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Boost Your Skills This Summer With ActiveWestminster Foundation Training Courses!

Looking to enhance your skills, boost your employability, or take the first step into a career in sport, leisure, or physical activity? This June and July, ActiveWestminster is offering a range of FREE Foundation Training courses designed to help you grow, learn and thrive in your professional journey.

Whether you’re just starting out, looking for a career change, or want to build on your existing experience, our training offer provides high-quality, accredited courses that support you in becoming active in your community – and beyond.

What’s Coming up

These courses are ideal for aspiring coaches, volunteers, students, and professionals working across sport, leisure, health, and education sectors.

June:

  • British Fencing – Fencing Course: Wednesday 18 June 2025 between 9:00am – 5:00pm

July:

  • Safeguarding & Protecting Children: Wednesday 9 July 2025 between 6:00 – 9:00pm
  • First Aid Course: Tuesday 15 July 2025 9:30am – 4:00pm

Online Courses

  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Training
  • Unconscious Bias 

Why Join?

  • Learn from experienced instructors
  • Gain recognised certifications
  • Build your CV and confidence
  • Affordable or fully funded training options
  • Connect with the wider ActiveWestminster Network C

Spaces are limited and fill up fast, so don’t miss out!

Let this summer be the start of something great. Invest in yourself with ActiveWestminster Foundation Training. Find out more about our Skills and Training Programme and Bursary Offer.

Get All the Details and Book

Celebrate World Bicycle Day with ActiveWestminster: Ride Towards Better Health and a Greener City

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Celebrate World Bicycle Day with ActiveWestminster: Ride Towards Better Health and a Greener City

Tuesday 3rd June is World Bicycle Day – a global celebration of cycling and its power to transform lives and communities. At ActiveWestminster, we’re proud to support and promote cycling across the City of Westminster, encouraging residents and visitors of all ages to discover the many benefits of life on two wheels.

Why Cycle?

Cycling isn’t just a fun and sustainable way to get around – it’s also a powerful tool for improving both physical and mental health. Regular cycling can:

  • Boost cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength
  • Improve joint mobility and coordination
  • Help maintain a healthy weight
  • Reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression
  • Enhance overall wellbeing and mental clarity

Whether it’s a quick ride to work, a leisurely weekend cycle through one of our parks, or a family outing, getting on your bike can do wonders for your body and mind.

Get Involved with Cycling in Westminster

ActiveWestminster offers a range of free, fun and inclusive cycling activities throughout the year. From beginner cycling sessions to guided rides and maintenance workshops, there are so many ways to get involved.

This World Bicycle Day, why not take the opportunity to hop on your bike, embrace the freedom of cycling, and ride towards a healthier, happier you? Let’s keep Westminster moving – sustainably and actively.

Discover Cycling in Westminster

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