Physical Activity

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

Unity in the Community: Football, Fun & Friendship Every Spring & Summer

Westminster’s young players came together once again for the Unity in the Community Football Tournament, part of the ActiveWestminster Weekend on 30–31 August 2025. This popular event, held every spring and summer, brings together local children and teens, male and female to enjoy football in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment.

A Tournament for Everyone

This year, around 110 players competed across 14 teams in four age groups. With fast-paced matches, team spirit, and plenty of cheers, the tournament offers more than just football—it’s a celebration of confidence, friendship, and community.

A Prestigious Moment: The Lord Mayor Presents Trophies

Adding an extra sparkle to the tournament, the Lord Mayor of Westminster joins every year to present medals and trophies to the winning U14 and U16 teams. Their presence not only celebrates the players’ achievements but also reinforces the event’s community spirit and sense of occasion. For many young participants, receiving a trophy from the Lord Mayor is a highlight of the day – a moment of pride, excitement, and inspiration that encourages them to keep playing, improving, and enjoying football.

Missed the action? Cick on the photo above to see how the community came together this summer!

More than just football

Unity in the Community isn’t just about the matches—it’s about building confidence, making friends, and feeling part of something bigger. With separate spaces for mixed teams and girls, support from inspiring coaches, and a safe, inclusive atmosphere, every participant leaves with new skills and memories.

Voices From the Pitch

Join the community action

Unity in the Community runs every spring and summer, giving Westminster’s young residents the chance to show off their skills, make new friends, and be part of the action on the pitch. Watch this space for next year’s tournaments, and in the meantime, discover how you can stay involved and keep playing—from local Neighbourhood Sports Club (NSC) sessions to football and other exciting activities happening all year round.

Find out more about the 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.

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.

Supporting Mind and Body Together: Free and Inclusive Activities in Westminster


Supporting Mind and Body Together: Free and Inclusive Activities in Westminster

World Mental Health Day (10 October) serves as a poignant reminder that mental wellbeing is integral to our overall health. This year, the theme “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” emphasises the critical need for accessible mental health support during crises. While global events highlight this urgency, it’s essential to recognize that fostering mental health resilience begins within our communities.

At ActiveWestminster, we are committed to ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to engage in activities that promote both physical and mental health. Through our Move for Life! Strategy 2024–2028, we aim to create a fairer, healthier, and happier Westminster by providing inclusive and accessible movement opportunities for all.

Inclusive activities for mental wellbeing

Westminster offers a diverse range of free and low-cost activities to support both mental and physical wellbeing:

  • Gentle Movement: Engage in activities like yoga, somatic therapy walking, and cycling. Whether it’s high-impact or slower-paced, movement makes a difference

  • Be Active in Your Neighbourhood: Participate in guided walks and outdoor community activities to connect with nature and others.

  • Community leisure offers: Access discounted services through the ActiveWestminster Card, making movement accessible for every community member.

  • Inclusive programs for all residents: Our goal is to provide safe and welcoming environemnts for every resident from every walk of like to move and get active in a way that works best for them. That’s why we run initiatives like Edutain+ (in partnership with Everyone Active and SportWest) – a school holiday camp that is suitable for children with disabilities to engage, and connect with their peers. We’ve recently launched a brand-new swimming club for adults with disabilitieswhich is delivered by WeSwim, an organisation dedicated to supporting inclusive swimming ActiveWestminster’s Commitment to Mental Health

ActiveWestminster’s Commitment to Mental Health

Our approach is guided by three strategic pillars:

  1. Active Lives: Encouraging residents to engage in regular physical activity through tailored programs that focus on different needs and abilities.
  2. Active Neighbourhoods: Creating vibrant local environments with parks, open spaces, safe streets, and community-led initiatives that inspire movement and connection.
  3. Active City: Capitalising on Westminster’s top-class facilities and meaningful partnerships to make physical activity a central part of its identity.

These pillars ensure that mental wellbeing is at the heart of how Westminster moves.

Take a Step for Your Wellbeing

This World Mental Health Day, we encourage you to take a simple step: move for your mind. Whether it’s a walk with a friend, trying a new class, or just taking five minutes to stretch, every bit counts.

We’re committed to a fairer, healthier, happier Westminster, where everyone has the chance to move, connect, and thrive.

Move for Your Mind This World Mental Health Day

The Final Countdown: Dance Westminster 2025 Grand Final Is Almost Here!

The Final Countdown: The Dance Westminster 2025 Grand Final Is Almost Here!

The wait is nearly over!  The Dance Westminster 2025 Grand Final is just around the corner! 

After weeks of inspiring Heats across the city, our amazing finalists are ready to take centre stage and show Westminster how it’s done. This free, pan-disability celebration of dance is open to all — so come along, cheer them on, and be part of the movement!

In partnership with  Step Change Studios, Dance Westminster celebrates inclusion, creativity, and confidence through the joy of dance. Whether you’re a dancer, supporter, or spectator, this event brings our community together in rhythm and spirit.

Check out the video from last year to get a glimpse of the energy, talent and joy you’ll experience at the Grand Final! 

Don’t miss out!

Your Front-Row Look at the Grand Final

The spotlight is on Westminster’s finest! Here’s what’s coming up at the Dance Westminster 2025 Grand Final:

  • 10 incredible finalists will take to the stage, showcasing routines they’ve perfected with professional dance partners.
  • Experience a thrilling celebration of movement, creativity, and inclusion.
  • You, the audience, will have the power to vote and help crown the People’s Champion 2025.
  • Expect an evening full of energy, inspiration, and community spirit, perfect for dancers and spectators alike.

Don’t miss out, ticket are completely FREE but going very fast!

Secure your place today and join us for an evening full of movement, music, and community celebration. Click on the flyer above or button below. If you need any support with your booking please contact Ian Bannister at ibannister@westminster.gov.uk.

Cheer, Support, and Celebrate!

Not keen on dancing yourself? No problem! Come along to watch, cheer on participants, and soak up the energy of Dance Westminster 2025. Your support helps make the event even more special—every clap, cheer, and smile counts! Reserve 

Westminster, let’s make this an event to remember. It’s time to move, groove and celebrate!

It’s Camp Time! Join Edutain And Edutain+ This October Half Term

It’s Camp Time! Join Edutain & Edutain+ This October Half Term

Keep the kids off screens this October half term with Edutain and Edutain+ Camps! These exciting, affordable camps are packed with multi-sport activities, arts & crafts, drama, swimming, and fun Friday trips — perfect for making new friends, staying active, and having a great time.

Edutain+ is designed to provide children with disabilities the chance to connect, engage, and play safely with their peers in an inclusive and supportive environment

Plan Your Camp Week:

We’ve made it easy to plan your child’s week of fun, friendship, and movement, find all the details below:

  • For children and young people aged 8–13 for Edutain and 8-16 for Edutain+
  • FREE spaces available for those eligible for free school meals

Whether it’s football, arts and crafts, team games, or just making new friends — there’s something for everyone

Edutain camp dates:

Camps are open to children aged 8-13 and run from 10:00am to 3:00pm from Monday 27 – Friday 31 October

Two Locations:

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

*BOOKING IS REQUIRED*

For more information or to book, call Ryan Denys on 07956 956167 or email ryan.denys@sportwestminster.org

Edutain+: Where Every Child Belongs

With Edutain+, children and young people with disabilities can explore, create, and stay moving in a fully supported, welcoming setting.

Camp will be open to children aged 8–16 where they enjoy exciting, accessible activities that spark imagination and build confidence and will run from 10:00 am to 3:00pm from Tuesday 28 – Thursday 30 October.

Location: Academy Sport, Torquay Street W2 5EW

*BOOKING IS REQUIRED

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

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

Exciting Improvements Coming To The Younger Children’s Play Area At Pad Rec!

Exciting Improvements Coming To The Younger Children’s Play Area At Pad Rec!

We’re making playtime even better!

The younger children’s play area will be partially closed from Monday 13 October to Friday 24 October to allow for the installation of brand-new play equipment and enhanced safety surfacing.

These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to provide safe, fun, and high-quality spaces where children can be active, explore, and play together.

We will endeavour to complete these works as quickly and efficiently as possible, keeping disruption to a minimum throughout the process and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused. 

  • Closure dates: Monday 13 – Friday 24 October
  • Reason: Installation of new play equipment and improved safety surfacing

Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to improve your local spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Silver Sunday 2025: A Celebration for Westminster’s 50+ Community

Silver Sunday Week 2025: Move More, Live Well

As part of Silver Sunday (29 September 2025), join us for a special week of events celebrating and supporting Westminster’s local community members aged 50 and over. Brought to you by Age UK, ActiveWestminster, and Everyone Active, Silver Sunday Week is all about health, wellbeing, and fun for the 50+ community.

With over 50 activities across our leisure centres and community spaces, there’s plenty to choose from. From fitness classes, swimming, dance, and yoga to social events and wellbeing workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Scan the QR code above or check the Everyone Active app to discover activities, book and join the fun!

Move More, Live Well: The Benefits of Active Ageing

Staying active as we age isn’t just about keeping fit, it’s about living well. Regular activity helps maintain independence, boosts energy, supports mental health, and reduces the risk of long-term conditions. Just 30 minutes of movement a day can make a real difference to mobility, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

That’s why ActiveWestminster and everyone are dedicated to making it easier for residents over 50 to stay active. With inclusive programmes, community classes, and welcoming leisure centres, we’re here to help you keep moving, stay connected and live life to the fullest.

Your Week of Fun and Fitness

Take a look at the Everyone Active schedule and find an activity that’s right for you. All sessions are designed to be fun, accessible, and a great way to celebrate being active. Whether you want to improve fitness, try something new, or simply enjoy social connection, there’s something for everyone.