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Leisure • Physical Activity • Sport

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.

Turn Off The Engine, Turn Up The Play! Barnsdale Road Becomes A Play Street This Summer

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Turn Off The Engine, Turn Up The Play! Barnsdale Road Becomes A Play Street This Summer

Barnsdale Road W9 is swapping cars for community and fun this summer and you’re all invited! Sessions start on Tuesday 10th June.

Thanks to Happy Lizzy Event Planning (HLEP!), the street will be transformed into a safe, car-free zone where kills where kids rule the road and neighbours and community folks can come together and connect. It’s all part of our Play Street Sessions, designed to give children the freedom they deserve to play and explore with no fear on their doorstep.

Ready, Set, Play!

Here’s the Plan:
  • Kids reclaim their street for safe, free play on: Tuesdays: 10, 17 & 24 June and 15 & 22 July between 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
  • Facilitated by the trusty team at Happy Lizzy
  • Parents hang back and relax responsible while little ones run the show and have some fun
  • Absolutely no traffic during sessions – play first, cars later!
  • Resident and delivery access is still allowed, with more care
  • A small request: Please help us clear the space you can and move your car during the session times if possible 

Let’s bring play back to the street. Whether you want to toss a ball around, jump rope, or just cheer, everyone is welcome!

 

For more info call: 07867 803 081

Make Your Street a Play Street!

Bring Your Community Together with Westminster’s Community Events Fund

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Bring Your Community Together with Westminster’s Community Events Fund

Westminster City Council is offering grants of up to £2,500 or £5,000 for collaborative projects to support community-led events that celebrate culture, promote cohesion, and encourage collective reflection. 

Who can apply

Eligible applicants include registered charities, CICs, and individuals affiliated with Westminster-based groups. Funding can cover venue hire, event staffing, refreshments, and other related costs.

girls enjoying a fun community event

Qualification criteria

To qualify, events must be:

  • Free
  • Running on single-day and most importantly
  • Inclusive – Private parties, political activities, and profit-making events are not eligible.
Get the full fund details and eligibility criteria on Community Events Fund on the Westminster City Council website.
 

Apply now and make your event happen!

Start Your Application

Make May Half Term Memorable With Edutain and Edutain+ Camps!

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Make May Half Term Memorable With Edutain And Edutain+ Camps!

Looking for a fun, active, and affordable way to keep the kids engaged this May half term? Edutain+ and Edutain Camps are back and better than ever this May!

These camps offers children and young people aged 8 to 16 years old safe, inclusive, and enriching experiences packed with multi-sport activities, arts and crafts, drama, swimming, and exciting Friday trips!

EDUTAIN

Maximum fun this May!

School’s out and the fun is on! Keep your kids moving, creating, and smiling this May with Edutain. Packed with sports, drama, swimming, arts and crafts, and more, there is something for everyone!

Dates: Tuesday 27th – Friday 30th May

Time: 10am – 3pm

Ages: 8–13

Two Locations:

  • Academy Sport, Torquay Street W2 5EW
  • Community Centre (Under Morgan House), Lillington Gardens, SW1V 2LF

For more information, call 07956 956167 or email ryan.denys@sportwestminster.org

*BOOKING IS REQUIRED

Book Edutain @ Academy Sport
Book Edutain @ Lillington Gardens

EDUTAIN +

Allowing inclusive play for children with disabilities!

Looking for exciting, inclusive activities this half term? Edutain+ is perfect for children with disabilities aged 8–16. They have fun, get to be creative, and enjoy movement in a safe, supportive space!

Dates: Tuesday 27th – Thursday 29th May                                                                                          

Time: 10am – 3pm

Ages: 8 – 16

Location: Community Centre (Under Morgan House), Lillington Gardens, SW1V 2LF

For more information, call 07891 386 688 or email leonard.lionel@sportwestminster.org

*BOOKING IS REQUIRED*

Book Edutain+

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