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New Refurbished Church Street Pitch Opens for the Community

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  • News

New Refurbished Church Street Pitch Opens for the Community

We’re thrilled to announce the official opening of the newly refurbished pitch at Kennet House in Church Street! This is a fantastic new space for the community to get active, play and connect.

The pitch was officially opened by Councillor Aicha Less, who joined local residents and young players to celebrate this exciting addition to the neighbourhood.

Councillor Aicha Less joins local residents to officially open the new Church Street pitch – another fantastic community space for everyone to enjoy and get active!

As part of ActiveWestminster’s commitment to investing in local facilities, this new space provides more opportunities for everyone to stay active, healthy and connected — right in the heart of Westminster.

Whether you’re looking to play football with friends, get involved in community sport, or simply enjoy being outdoors, the Church Street pitch is open to all. Come down and check it out!

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.

Join Friday Community Football Sessions At Paddington Rec With Rachel Yankey Foundation

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She Shoots, She Scores! Girls’ Football With Rachel Yankey At Pad Rec Every Friday!

Girls aged 11–16, this one’s for you!  The Rachel Yankey Foundation (RY11) is bringing girls-only community football sessions to Paddington Recreation Ground, and all levels are welcome.

Learn, play, and be Inspired by one of football’s greatsl

This is your chance to train with Rachel Yankey OBE — a trailblazer of the women’s game and former star for Arsenal Ladies, Fulham Ladies, and England. Alongside her dedicated team of coaches at RY11, Rachel brings a wealth of experience, passion, and energy to every session.

More than just a footballing icon, Rachel is a pioneer who continues to inspire the next generation of young female players. Her journey from grassroots to the international stage shows what’s possible, and now she’s sharing that knowledge and drive with girls across Westminster and beyond.

RY11, is all about:

  • Inspiring and empowering girls through the power of football
  • Building skills and confidence
  • Creating opportunities to thrive both in football and beyond

Whether you’re stepping onto the pitch for the first time or already love the game, these sessions are all about fun, growth, and teamwork.

Got Questions? Contact: info@rachelyankeyfoundation.co.uk

Spread the word — let’s fill the pitch and shape the future of girls’ football together! 

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

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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.

See the Schedule, Join the Fun!

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