Physical Activity

Yoga for One Earth, One Health: International Yoga Day in Action

Yoga for One Earth, One Health: International Yoga Day in Action

Join ActiveWestminster in celebrating International Yoga Day 2025—an annual global event promoting balance, wellbeing, and connection between mind, body, and environment. First declared by the UN in 2014 and celebrated every 21 June, this day is all about slowing down, breathing deeply, and moving with intention.

Yoga for People and Planet

This year’s global theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” highlights how personal wellness and environmental health go hand in hand. Across Westminster, our community yoga activities are helping residents embrace physical movement while nurturing mental wellbeing and community connection.

Yoga Activities in Westminster

Yoga supports mental clarity, flexibility, strength, and stress relief which all vital for city life. It’s also a tool for community connection and inclusive wellness, key goals of the ActiveWestminster strategy. Whether you’re just starting out or deepening your practice, yoga offers a space to slow down, recharge and reconnect.

Take a Breath with the World

As people across the globe unroll their mats this International Yoga Day, let’s pause together here in Westminster—stretching into summer, connecting with our breath, and grounding ourselves in community and care.

Namaste.

Check our ActiveWestminster Mark Accredited partners where you can find yoga and a wide range of other physical activity and sport sessions.

Westminster Schools Take The Court At London’s First-Ever Jr. NBA 3v3 Tournament

Westminster Schools Take the Court at London’s First-Ever Jr. NBA 3v3 Tournament

Earlier this month, Westminster students took centre court at one of London’s most exciting youth basketball events — the inaugural Jr. NBA 3v3 Tournament, held at Trafalgar Square and organised by London Marathon Events in collaboration with the NBA and Basketball England.

Local Talent, Global Stage

This landmark event brought together young players from across the capital to showcase their skills in a high-energy, fast-paced basketball format. And Westminster was proudly represented across both coaching clinics and tournament play.

Westminster Highlights

  • 5 June – Black Prince Trust: NBA Coaching Clinics: Students from Gateway Academy got a taste of elite coaching in a dedicated NBA clinic session, developing key skills and confidence on the court.
  • 6 June – Trafalgar Square: Girls Runner-Up Team: A massive congratulations to Westminster Academy’s girls’ team, who put on a brilliant performance, playing at 13:45 and 14:15 and finishing as tournament runners-up!
  • 6 June – Trafalgar Square: Primary School Coaching Clinics: Young ballers from All Souls CE Primary School and St Mary Angels joined a special morning clinic (9:40–12:15), learning basketball fundamentals and experiencing the thrill of playing in one of London’s most iconic public spaces.

A Slam Dunk for Youth Sport

This event was more than just a tournament, it was a celebration of youth sport, community, and opportunity. ActiveWestminster is proud to have supported Westminster schools in participating, ensuring local pupils could benefit from this unique experience.

A huge thank you to all the players, teachers, coaches, and organisers who made this moment possible. We’re already looking forward to what’s next!

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

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

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

Bring Your Community Together with Westminster’s Community Events Fund

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!

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

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

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*

Brought to you by our trusted delivery partners SportWestwww.sportwest.org.uk