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Physical Activity

On The Ground – Sharing Your Stories: January’s NSC Spotlight

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The Abbey Centre Is Impacting Women's Wellness With Their Weekly Yoga Sessions

The Abbey Centre  is spreading the zen throughout the borough with their weekly women’s wellness yoga sessions, which have been designed to give women a space to connect, socialise, stay active  and find their calm.

What to expect in the sessions

The sessions every Friday between 9:30-10:30 pm (with the exception of Easter and Christmas holidays).

Each session combines a series of stretching exercises and guided breathing techniques with a goal to help improve strength and flexibility whilst reducing stress and enabling participants to find balance in the fast moving chaotic place the world can sometimes be.

Programme Case Study

Highlights
  • The programme engaged 29 participants during December 2024 over three classes, maintaining consistency in attendance throughout the quarter.
  • Successful introduction of breathing techniques which have been positively received
  • Participants have reported feeling more relaxed and connected, reducing stress and isolation
  • This year there are plans to expand the offering in partnership with VICEC by providing classes at St Andrew’s Youth Club.

Participant Case Study

Participant Profile: Josephine, in her 70s, enjoys participating in the sessions  
Reasons for getting involved in the programme: Having had spinal surgery, Josephine wanted to regain her strength
Programme Impact: Getting involved in the programme has enabled her to gain hope, confidence and connection from being in a shared space with others. She has also been able to take the exercises learnt in the sessions to practice yoga at home. Josephine aspires to continue attending the sessions and build on the strength and confidence she has already gained.

Find out more about the Abbey Centre and the other sessions available through our Neighbourhood Sports Club programme, upcoming sessions, and how to register for future Unity in the Community tournaments on the NSC event page or contact Ryan Denys at ryandenys@everyoneactive.com.

 
NSC Programme

Want to share your experience?

Your stories inspire us — and others! If you’ve taken part in an NSC session and want to share your experience, we’d love to hear from you. Click the button below to reach out.

Share your story

On The Ground – Sharing Your Stories: November’s NSC Spotlight

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This Month We're Shining A Light On Step Up 2 Fitness

Step Up 2 Fitness (SU2F) is empowering women and girls across Westminster to move, strengthen, and connect, all in a supportive, women-only environment. 

Led by coach and project coordinator Hasna Kahlalech, SU2F delivers functional fitness sessions twice a week that bring together women of all ages and abilities, where they can develop mentally as well as physically.

About the sessions

The sessions run twice a week – every Wednesday between 12:30-2:30 pm and every Saturday between 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Each session combines strength, cardio, balance, mobility, and flexibility, using a mix of weights, resistance loops, Pilates rings, and yoga bands. The workouts are adaptable for everyone, from young women just starting to peri-menopausal and post-menopausal participants, rebuilding strength and confidence. 

Programme Case Study

Highlights from this quarter
  • The programme welcomed 15 new participants, reaching its highest attendance level since 2022.
  • A new Mobility and Rehab Circuit was also introduced, specifically designed for women recovering from injuries or returning to physical activity after a period of rest. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants saying they feel supported, motivated, and challenged at the right level

“Since joining, I feel fitter, stronger, and part of a supportive sisterhood. The new rehab circuit has been a game-changer for me.”
Soumeyya, Participant

Participant Case Study

Participant Profile: Aisha, 42, is a Westminster resident and mother of three. She works part-time and often finds it difficult to prioritise her own health and wellbeing while balancing family responsibilities.
Reason for getting involved in the programme: Aisha first heard about SU2F through a friend. She was looking for a women-only space where she could exercise comfortably without compromising her cultural needs and values. 

“I had been inactive for years and felt nervous about joining mainstream gyms, but SU2F felt like a safe starting point.”

Aisha, Participant
Programme impact: Since joining, Aisha has experienced significant improvements in both her physical and mental health. She has built strength, improved her flexibility, and lost weight in a supportive, judgement-free environment. Beyond fitness, she says the sense of community has been life-changing.
Participants’ view of future engagement in physical activity: Aisha now sees fitness as a permanent part of her life. She plans to continue attending SU2F classes regularly and has even expressed an interest in joining a coach training pathway in the future. 

“I’ve made friends here who encourage me. I feel motivated, healthier, and more confident in myself.”

Aisha, Participant

“This is just the beginning for me—I want to keep improving, and I’d love to support other women the way I’ve been supported."

Aisha, Participant

Find out more about the Step Up To Fitness and the other sessions available through our Neighbourhood Sports Club programme, upcoming sessions, and how to register for future Unity in the Community tournaments on the NSC event page or contact Ryan Denys at ryandenys@everyoneactive.com.

 
NSC Programme

Want to share your experience?

Your stories inspire us — and others! If you’ve taken part in an NSC session and want to share your experience, we’d love to hear from you. Click the button below to reach out.

Share your story

Everyone Active Joins Forces With Red Sky Foundation For Restart Heart Day 2025

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Everyone Active Joins Forces With Red Sky Foundation For Restart A Heart Day 2025

Did you catch our lovely team from Everyone Active at Victoria Station a couple of weeks ago? They were out there giving demonstrations and practical CPR training for #Restartaheartday on Thursday, 16 October, as part of a joint initiative with Red Sky Foundation.

Over 100 passersby and commuters got involved, learning a new skill or improving on an existing one, with many feeding back how impactful and helpful the demonstrations were. 

CPR is a vital life skill, and you never know when you might need it. For someone in cardiac arrest, the chances of survival can double or even triple if CPR is administered immediately. You can find out more about CPR on the British Heart Foundation site.

Level up your skills

If this is a skill you want to learn, make sure you keep an eye out for our Skills and Training Programme First Aid Course.  This year’s courses have now finished; however will be running the next iteration in February 2026. 

Skills and Training Programmme

This program is open to anyone who lives, works, or studies in Westminster; however, we aim to prioritise staff and volunteers of an ActiveWestminster Mark-accredited organisation, as well as individuals who face significant cultural and socio-economic barriers to personal and professional development.  

The Skills and Training programme offer comprises three categories which include:

  • Offering free foundation training
  • Signposting to further training opportunities and,
  • Accessing a training bursary scheme

To find out more click on the button below

Level Up Your Skills

Porchester Centre Centenary Open Day: Join Us For A Celebration To Remember!

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Porchester Centre Centenary Open Day: Join Us For A Celebration To Remember!

That’s right! We’re getting ready to celebrate 100 years of community, health, and swimming, and we want you all to join. Next Thursday, 6 November, we will be hosting an open day event at the Porchester Centre, to celebrate this monumental milestone, and it would not be the same without you, our wonderful residents.

Find out all about the Centenary Open Day by clicking on the flyer above.

Centenary Schedule

It will be a day full of fun, free activities, and a celebratory ceremony.

Morning Sessions (08:00 – 11:00 am)

  • 8:00 – 9:00 am: Free Public Swim (Teaching Pool)
  • 9:30 – 10:30 am: Free Lane Swimming (Main Pool)
  • 10:00 am: Refreshments (Teas, coffees, and a slice of centenary cake)
  • 11:00 am: Official Plaque Unveiling Ceremony: Join us in the lobby as Councillor Cara Sanquest officially unveils the commemorative plaque.

Midday and Afternoon Activities (11:30 am – 4:00 pm)

  • 11:15 am: Guided tour
  • 11:30 am: Open Age Over 55’s Chair Class with Armand Botha
  • 11:30 am– 2:30 pm: Free Lane Swimming (Main Pool)
  • 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Free Lane Swimming (Main Pool)

Evening Fitness and Fun (4:00 pm onwards)

  • 4:00 pm: Free Yoga Session (Wellness Studio)
  • 4:00 – 6:00 pm: Free Lane Swimming (Main Pool)
  • 5:30 – 9:30 pm: Evening DJ Set
    Get fit or just hang out with a DJ spinning tracks on the gym floor!
  • 6:00 pm: Free Group Cycling Session

Booking your free sessions

Book in advance to avoid disappointment!

Free swimming and fitness sessions will be running throughout the day. Due to high demand and limited availability, please make sure you book in advance. Spaces will be limited and will operate on a first come first serve basis.

Book Your Free Sessions!

You’ve Still Got Time! Sign Up For The Female-Only Lifeguard Course at Porchester

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You've Still Got Time! Sign Up For The Female-Only Lifeguard Course at Porchester

Missed out earlier this year? Here’s your chance to get qualified this October with our Female-only National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) course at the Porchester Centre, Queensway, next Wednesday 29th October. Gain a nationally recognised qualification and vital lifesaving skills that can kickstart your journey in leisure.

Whether you’re looking to start a career in leisure, boost your employability, or build confidence in the water, this intensive training programme provides the perfect opportunity. Accredited by the  Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK), this course is internationally recognised and can open doors to employment in leisure centres, health clubs, holiday resorts, and even cruise ships, while also giving you transferable skills such as teamwork, responsibility, and quick decision-making.W

Gain a qualification that builds confidence, creates opportunities, and makes a difference.

Course details

  • Dates: Wednesday 29 October – Sunday 2 November 2025
  • Times: 9am – 6pm daily
  • Assessment Day: Sunday 2 November (included in course timetable)
  • Cost: £300 or funded if you:
  • Commit to working full-time with Everyone Active
  • Stay with Everyone Active as a lifeguard for at least one year
  • Attend an interview at the site where you may be placed **Please note that the decision will be made by the General Manager and Operations Manager of the site, as they will be covering the costs**
Alternatively you may be eligible for support through the ActiveWestminster Bursary Offer via the Skills and Training Programme. 
 
Requirements
 
To be considered you must fulfil the below requirements:
  • Be aged 16+ by the date of assessment
  • Be able to swim 50m in under 60 seconds
  • Be able to swim 100m continuously on front and back
  • Be able tread water for over 30 seconds
  • Be able to surface dive to the deepest part of the pool
  • Be able to climb out of the pool unaided

What You Will Learn

  • Pool Rescue Techniques
  • Lifeguard Theory
  • First Aid & CPR
  • AED & PXB Certification included!

This female-only course is designed to create a supportive and empowering environment. Whether you are looking for a rewarding part-time job, a stepping stone into the leisure industry, or just a new personal challenge, this is your opportunity!

Enrol Now

It’s quick and easy!

  • If you aren’t already a member of the RLSS UK, you need to set up a RLSS UK account
  • Download and complete the NPLQ Enrolment Form
  • Once completed please send it to Anis Ukaye at EveryoneActive: anisukaye@everyoneactive.com
  • Anis is the main point of contact for all enquires, bookings and employment opportunities
Find Out More About Porchester Centre

Drum Roll Please! Announcing DanceWestminster 2025 Winners!

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Drum Roll Please! And The Winners Of This Years DanceWestminster Grand Final Are……

And that’s a wrap for another year! What a wonderful final we had for our annual pan-disability dance competition, DanceWestminster. All our finalists were truely fanatastic, and although the judges found it hard to pick, below are our winners for this year.

Dance Westminster Champion 2025

Daniel and dance partner Liam dancing to ‘Take me to church’

SECOND POSITION

Faheem and dance partner Joelle dancing to song ‘Killin it’

THIRD POSITION

Manel and dance partner Ellen dancing to song ‘Good Morning/Singing in the Rain’

OUR PEOPLE’S  CHOICE WINNER

June and dance partner Ruth dancing to song ‘Swan Lake’

Congratulations and thank you to all of our finalists for their heart felt and inspiring performances:

  • Sam Y & Ellen with song ‘In Your Eyes’
  • Yursa & Goergia with song ‘APT/Gangnam Style’
  • Jonsidney & Chloe with song ‘Unsteady, X Ambassadors’
  • Ana & Jaimee with with song ‘Perhaps, Perhaps’
  • Manal & Ellen with song ‘Good Morning/Singing in the Rain’
  • Sam H & Patricia with song ‘Timber’
  • Mariam & Georgia with song ‘Say Na Say Na’
Visit our main Dance Westminster Page for more information and find out how you can be at this spectacular event next year!