Leisure • Physical Activity • Sport

Lord Mayor Joins ActiveWestminster’s Lifesaving First Aid Course


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.

First Aid Training_CPR - Skills & Training October 2026 - Lord Mayor

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!


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.

Promotional asset for the new Sayers Croft 20% for new schools - faded freen background with a vertical black block strip on the right hand side and a green travel bag with black text highlighting offer details
Outdoor learning adventures for less this autumn and winter.

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.

Step Up, Join In: Dance Westminster Heats Are Almost Here!

Step Up, Join In: Dance Westminster Heats Are Almost Here!

Three free heats. One unforgettable celebration. Your Dance Westminster journey starts this October.

Dance Westminster 2025 - Heat 1 - College Park School - Young Disabled People. Young participant practicing their routine with their dance partner
Last year brought the heat - now it’s your turn!

Dance Westminster is back, bringing disabled residents, workers and students together through movement, confidence and fun. Whether you are trying dance for the first time or ready to take centre stage, everyone is welcome—no experience needed.

Choose your heat and take the floor

Join a free workshop, learn a routine with professional instructors and, if you are ready, audition on the spot. Perform the routine or freestyle your own—the choice is yours.

  • Heat 1: Wednesday 7 October, 10:30am-12pm: Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee School, Kennet Road, W9 3LG – For disabled children and young people aged 11-17
  • Heat 2: Friday 9th October, 2:30pm-4pm: Forrester Court Care Home, Cirencester Street (Off Harrow Road), W2 5SR – For older disabled people aged 50+
  • Heat 3: Wednesday 14th October, 10am-12pm: North Paddington Youth Club, 229 Lanark Road, W9 1EA – For young people and adults aged 50+

Start at the heats, shine at the grand final

Ten finalists will be paired with professional dance partners for one-to-one coaching before taking the stage at Porchester Hall  on Tuesday 1 December. Join us from 12:30pm–3pm, with the show starting at 1pm, and help choose the People’s Champion alongside a celebrity judging panel.

Ready to move? Sign up for a heat and take your first step. Not dancing? Come along to support the performers, feel the energy and cheer them on at the Grand Final. 

Share this with someone who would love to take part or join the crowd. 

For help, email ibannister@westminster.gov.uk, or contact active@westminster.gov.uk for more information.

 

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

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.

Access More Free Training This Autumn

Access More Free Training This Autumn

ActiveWestminster’s Foundation Training Programme continues this autumn with two more FREE workshops at North Paddington Youth Centre this Autumn.

Yellow, Blue and Green Foundation Training Flyer with yellow and and white text with offer details, and a picture of female football coach with female footballer
FREE training to build safer, more inclusive sport in Westminster.

Coaches, volunteers, teachers, youth workers and community organisations can build practical skills to help make sessions safer, more welcoming and accessible for everyone.

The Emergency First Aid at Work course on Monday 5 October is now fully booked. Thank you to everyone who signed up — it is great to see such strong interest in gaining life-saving skills.

Upcoming training

Safeguarding and Protecting Children Workshop
Wednesday 7 October, 6pm to 9pm
North Paddington Youth Centre, 229 Lanark Road, London, W9 1EA

Build confidence in recognising concerns, responding appropriately and creating safe, supportive spaces for children and young people.

Inclusive Coaching Workshop
Wednesday 4 November, 6pm to 9pm
North Paddington Youth Centre, 229 Lanark Road, London, W9 1EA

Learn how to adapt activities so disabled people can take part with confidence in more accessible and inclusive sessions.

Places are limited, so sign up now and bring new skills back to your club, group or community session.

Just Turn Up And Get Moving

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.

Just Turn Up flyer - Black and White photo of 4 young black youths sitting together, neon yellow boarder and black text with initiative details.
Move, play, try something new. No pressure, just fun.

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.

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