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Physical Activity

Recycle Week 2025: Rescue, Recycle, Reward!

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Recycle Week 2025: Rescue, Recycle, Reward!

It’s Recycle Week 2025 (22–28 Sept) and this year’s theme “Rescue Me! Recycle” is all about giving overlooked items, from yoghurt pots to aerosols, a second life.

Here in Westminster, you can take part in a fun and impactful way: by using the Reverse Vending Machine at Paddington Recreation Ground. Simply drop in your empty plastic bottles or aluminium cans and not only are they recycled properly, but 10p per item is donated to North Paddington Youth Club.

Every container counts toward protecting the planet, reducing waste, and giving back to the community. Join us this Recycle Week and turn your empties into positive action.

Recycle your bottles and cans — and turn everyday empties into community impact!

Drop. Donate. Do Good.

Every bottle or can diverted from general waste helps in:

  • Reducing energy and emissions, because recycling requires less raw material and less processing
  • Preventing pollution and landfill pressure, especially in dense urban areas
  • Supporting local causes, in Westminster, the Reverse Vending Machine dona­tes 10p per container to North Paddington Youth Club. 

That’s community impact made from individual actions.

Your Recycling in Action

Here’s a little reminder of what you need to do to turn your recycling into rewards:
  • Drop in empty plastic bottles or aluminium drink cans
  • The machine captures them cleanly
  • For every item deposited, 10p is donated to North Paddington Youth Club
  • To date, over 188 items (159 bottles, 29 cans) have been deposited – a great start to raising funds and awareness.
Turn Trash to Treasure

Village Green And Cricket Net Rejuvenation Works Begin This September

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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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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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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

Champions of the Future Star Seyfu Joins Olympic Refuge Pathway!

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Champions of the Future Star Seyfu Joins Olympic Refuge Pathway!

We’re thrilled to announce that Seyfu Jamaal, a standout athlete supported through our Champions of the Future programme, has been awarded one of only 47 Olympic Refuge Foundation scholarships, paving a direct path toward the Refugee Olympic Team for LA28!

What’s the Champions of the Future Programme?

ActiveWestminster’s Champions of the Future initiative supports Westminster’s gifted and talented athletes (aged 12+) by providing:

  • Financial aid for travel, equipment, and accommodation
  • Free access to Westminster leisure centres nationwide operated by our leisure partners Everyone Active
  • Development support via King’s College London—workshops and one-to-one physiotherapy
  • Recognition in ActiveWestminster Awards and regional showcases
  • Coaching qualifications and potential roles with Everyone Active
  • Mentoring opportunities—athletes partner with local primary schools to inspire young people through 1–2 informal visits during the year ActiveWesminster

To qualify, athletes must live, study, or work in Westminster and demonstrate strong performance, such as being ranked in the top 20 regionally or competing in a regional squad during the championship year 

“Being part of the Champions of the Future programme has been a massive support in my journey. It’s helped me stay focused and keep progressing. To now be on the Olympic Refuge pathway is a huge honour, and I’m excited for the years ahead and where this journey could lead” – Seyfu Jamaal

For full details, visit our dedicated Unity In The Community webpage. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ryan Denys at ryandenys@everyoneactive.com.

Seyfu’s Victory: From Local Promise to Global Stage

Seyfu’s inclusion in this elite programme exemplifies the very mission of Champions of the Future: reaching those whose potential might otherwise be overlooked and giving them the support they need to succeed.

Thanks to his extraordinary talent and getting the right backing, Seyfu has now secured a life-changing Olympic Refuge scholarship, bringing him one step closer to competing in Los Angeles 2028. It’s a brilliant testament to resilience, determination, and the power of community support.

More Than a Medal: What Sefyu’s Success Means

  • A crucial boost: From last-minute local support to global recognition, Sefyu’s journey showcases how Champions of the Future can transform talent into opportunity.

  • Community inspiration: His story uplifts not only Westminster’s active community but also refugee athletes everywhere.

  • A moment of pride: We couldn’t be prouder to see one of our Champions stand on the international stage.

Let’s raise our voices and celebrate Sefyu’s remarkable achievement and continue nurturing more Champions of the Future! 

Take your first step by clicking on the button below.

Become a Champion!