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Physical Activity

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

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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 disabilities, which 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

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

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  • News Post

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.

Village Green And Cricket Net Rejuvenation Works Begin This September

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  • News Post

Village Green And Cricket Net Rejuvenation Works Begin This September

We’re excited to share that the Village Green at Paddington Recreation Ground is set for rejuvenation works to create a refreshed and welcoming space for the community. 

Over time, the surface of the green has become worn, uneven and compacted through regular use and changing weather conditions. Potholes, cracking and thinning grass have reduced both the quality and safety of the space. As a much-loved area for play, leisure and relaxation, the Village Green deserves care and investment. These rejuvenation works will restore the lawn, improve drainage, and create a healthier, greener and more resilient space that the whole community can enjoy for years to come

Works will officially commence as of next Monday 22nd September and be completed by Monday 1st December. 

*Please note dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions*

Village Green Planned Works

  • Week 1: The green will be carefully koroed, removing the old sward, small stones and some soil. Levels and contours will be re-established, while existing potholes and cracks will be repaired. 
  • Week 2: Soil and sand will be spread, seed beds prepared, and a new seed mix sown to rejuvenate the lawn.

Once seeded, the Village Green will remain fenced off to allow the grass to grow and establish. If weather conditions are favourable, we anticipate reopening the green in early December.

Cricket Nets Upgrade

In addition, works will commence on the cricket practice nets from 29 September to 27 October. These improvements will introduce a new playing surface, new nets and new sight screens. The playing surface will be constructed to ECB guidelines, ensuring a high-quality facility for training and development.

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. 

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding in advance.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to a revitalised facilities later this year.

Protect The Planet One Bottle Or Can At A Time – Try Our Reverse Vending Machine

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  • News Post

Protect The Planet One Bottle Or Can At A Time – Try Our Reverse Vending Machine

16 September is International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, a global reminder of how important it is to protect our environment and safeguard the future of our planet. This year’s theme highlights that when communities come together, positive change is possible.

Right here in Westminster, you can play your part with something as simple as recycling your drink containers. Our Reverse Vending Machine makes it quick and rewarding to do just that.

What is a Reverse Vending Machine?

The machine accepts empty plastic bottles and cans, giving you an easy way to recycle on the go. Instead of ending up in landfill, your containers are captured cleanly and sent for recycling, keeping valuable materials in use and cutting down on waste.

How it works

Users can deposit single-use plastic bottles and aluminium drinks cans into the machine, and for every item deposited, 10p will be donated to the North Paddington Youth Club with 188 items (159 bottles and 29 cans) already deposited, making a helpful start to raise funds.
 
So, come along to Paddington Recreation Ground and check it out.
 

Visit the Reverse Vending Machine at the Pavilion in Paddington Recreation Ground – take a simple step that helps cut waste, protect our environment and show how local action supports global change.

Why does it matter for the ozone layer?

While the machine doesn’t directly capture ozone-depleting substances, it contributes to the bigger picture:

  • Less waste, less energy – Recycling reduces the need to produce new plastics and cans from scratch, lowering emissions and energy use.
  • Cleaner air – Cutting down on landfill and incineration means fewer harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere.
  • Community action – By choosing to recycle, you’re part of a global movement protecting both our climate and the ozone layer that shields life on Earth.

Small steps, big impact

Protecting the ozone layer has been a worldwide success story since the Montreal Protocol – but it’s not a job finished. By building sustainable habits like using the Reverse Vending Machine, we keep that progress moving forward.

  • Small actions add up.
  • Drop in your bottles and cans.
  • Be part of the change.

Recycle today, protect tomorrow – try the Reverse Vending Machine.

New Disability Swimming Club Making Waves at Moberly Sports Centre

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New Disability Swimming Club Making Waves at Moberly Sports Centre

We are delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new swimming club for adults with disabilities at Moberly Sports Centre, delivered by WeSwim, an organisation dedicated to supporting inclusive swimming opportunities across London.

Where: Moberly Sports Centre, 25 Chamberlayne Road, London, NW10 3NB
When: Mondays from 22nd September 2025
Time: 18:15 – 19:45

WeSwim runs volunteer-led clubs across the capital, empowering adults with disabilities to get active, connect with others, and build lasting confidence in and out of the pool.

This exciting new session also offers a brilliant opportunity for volunteers to get involved and support the club, helping to make a real difference in the community.

WeSwim new club at Moberly

Find out more about WeSwim, their sessions across London, and FAQs here: WeSwim – Supporting disability swimming across London

Volunteer with WeSwim and Support Disability Swimming

To make this club a success, they are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join their team.

As a WeSwim volunteer, you’ll:

  • Support adults with disabilities in and around the pool

  • Help create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment

  • Gain valuable experience, training and community connections

  • Make a real difference to people’s lives through the power of swimming

Volunteering with WeSwim is a rewarding way to give back, build confidence, and be part of a growing community that champions inclusion and activity for all.

Find out more and register your interest: WeSwim – Volunteer Opportunities

Sports, Smiles & Community Spirit: ActiveWestminster Weekend Highlights

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  • News Post

Sports, Smiles & Community Spirit: ActiveWestminster Weekend Highlights

On the weekend of 30 and 31 August 2025, Westminster City Council, in partnership with Everyone Active, proudly hosted the ActiveWestminster Weekend where residents of all ages came together to explore our Westminster Leisure Centres.

Residents of all ages enjoyed an action-packed ActiveWestminster Weekend, with opportunities to explore local sport and leisure facilities and take part in a wide range of activities.

With over 10 sessions on offer—including badminton, swimming, tag rugby, children’s bouncy castle sessions and gym inductions—the weekend was designed to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get active, try something new, or revisit an old favourite.

A highlight of the weekend was the Unity in the Community tournament, which brought together around 110 children and young people across 14 teams and 4 age groups. For the first time, the tournament proudly welcomed an all-girls team, marking an exciting milestone for the event.

The atmosphere was made even more special with the attendance of the Lord Mayor of Westminster, who presented medals and trophies to the winning U14 and U16 teams.

Well done to all participants for an inspiring tournament and very well-deserved congratulations to the winners of each category:
  • 16s – London Capitol 
  • Under 14s – Warsa FC 
  • Under 12s – London Tigers 
  • Under 10s – Warsa FC

The ActiveWestminster Weekend is a bi-annual event, fast becoming a highlight in the local calendar that everyone looks forward to. We can’t wait to welcome the community back for the next edition in spring 2026.

ActiveWestminster and City of Westminster logos
Everyone Active Logo