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Move, Breathe, Heal: Free Women’s Somatic Therapy Sessions with Hurdles 2 Hoops

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Breathe. Move. Heal. Free Women’s Somatic Therapy Sessions with Hurdles2Hoops

Prioritise Your Mental Health with Free Somatic Therapy at Porchester Centre

As Mental Health Awareness Week comes to an end, we’re reminding everyone that mental health matters all year round — it’s just as important as physical health.

That’s why, as part of the Neighbourhood Sports Club (NSC) Programme, we’re offering weekly somatic therapy sessions for women and girls at the Porchester Centre, every Wednesday from 13:30pm – 15:00pm. The session are funded by the Healthy Communities Fund, (Part of the City of Westminster’s Public Health Fund) through summer until 2026.

Delivered by Hurdles2Hoops (a non-profit supporting asylum seekers and refugees), these inclusive sessions are designed to empower women, reduce isolation, and support mental health through movement and connection. 

What is Somatic Therapy?

A body-based approach to mental wellbeing, somatic therapy uses movement and awareness to release tension, support your nervous system, and restore emotional balance.

These sessions are a blend of breathwork, somatic movement, and Qigong to help you:

  • Release stress and tension
  • Connect mind and body
  • Feel grounded and calm
  • Rebuild resilience

Take a step towards better wellbeing — join us and reconnect with your body and mind.

See what else on with the NSC

Your Community, Your Wellbeing: Get Involved This Mental Health Awareness Week

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Your Community, Your Wellbeing: Get Involved This Mental Health Awareness Week

One week, three ways to feel better – All we are missing is YOU!

From Monday 12th May to Sunday 18th May, we’re proud to support Mental Health Awareness Week – led by the Mental Health Foundation – the UK’s leading charity for mental health. 

This year’s theme is “Community” — highlighting how our relationships and sense of connection to others are vital to our mental well-being. Being part of a community helps us feel supported, valued, and less alone.

What’s on: Free activities across Westminster

At ActiveWestminster, we believe in the power of community to change lives. That’s why, with the support of our leisure partner Everyone Active, we’re running free, inclusive and community-focused wellness activities across Westminster — to help bring people together, move, share, and connect:

  • Mindfulness Painting: A relaxed, creative space to connect with others and take a mindful moment for yourself. No experience needed — just bring yourself and a willingness to unwind.
    Jubilee Community Leisure Centre
  • Badminton & Table Tennis Taster Sessions: Delivered by our friends at Sport in Mind, these fun sessions are a great way to meet new people, move your body, and enjoy a bit of friendly competition.
    Church Street Leisure Centre
  • Yoga Sessions: Gentle, welcoming sessions to help you breathe, stretch, and share a calming moment in a shared space.
    Everyone Active Centres across Westminster

Be part of the movement

Looking for more ways to get involved in Mental Health Awareness Week? Visit the official website for inspiring stories, practical tips, and ways you and your community can support better mental health for all.

Let’s move together towards better mental health. See you there!

Join the Movement

#Lead with Love this Easter and Make it Stress Free – Stress Awareness Month April 2025

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Stress Awareness Month 2025 - #Leadwithlove this Easter

As we enjoy a well-deserved pause over the Easter break, it’s the perfect moment to slow down, reflect, and check in with ourselves. We’re already halfway through April, which also means we’re halfway through Stress Awareness Month—an annual initiative led by the Stress Management Society for over 30 years.

This important campaign shines a spotlight on the impact stress can have on our mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, while providing helpful resources and techniques for managing it effectively.

What is Stress?

Stress is a natural physical response—your body’s way of preparing to deal with perceived threats by switching into “fight or flight” mode. While stress in small doses can be useful, being in a constant state of stress can take a toll on your health and wellbeing.

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, it’s easy to miss the early signs of stress and burnout. Taking a step back during times like Easter can help us recognise when we need rest, support, or a change in routine.

This Year’s Theme: #LeadWithLove

The 2025 theme for Stress Awareness Month is #LeadWithLove—a powerful call to action rooted in the idea of Unconditional Positive Regard. It encourages us to show kindness, compassion, and acceptance not just to others, but to ourselves too.

We often speak to ourselves far more harshly than we would to a friend. This theme invites us to flip that script and become our own biggest supporters—especially during challenging times

Nourish Yourself Physically and Mentally

In stressful moments, things like exercise and proper nutrition are often the first to fall off our schedules—but they’re vital for helping us manage stress.

Regular movement can increase the production of feel-good endorphins, ease anxiety, and improve overall mood. The Department of Health recommends 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity activity each week, but studies show only 65.5% of men and 54% of women are meeting that goal.

The good news? You don’t need to hit the gym to feel the benefits. A walk in the fresh air, a short yoga session, or even some calming breath work can make a real difference.

A Gentle Reminder this Easter

As we relax and recharge over the Easter break, let’s remember to take care of ourselves with the same love and patience we’d offer someone we care about.

We’re halfway through Stress Awareness Month—there’s still plenty of time to tune in, reset, and take positive steps for your mental and emotional wellbeing.

For more support and resources, visit the Stress Management Society website.

Wishing you a calm, kind, and restorative Easter

Become a Walk Leader and Help Westminster Get Moving!

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  • News

Become a Walk Leader and Help Westminster Get Moving!

April 2025 Walk Leader Full Poster

Join Everyone Active’s next Walk Leader Training qualification on 30th April 2025 from 9:30am – 1pm at the Paddington Recreation Ground.

If you are passionate about physical activity and know that walking is a great way to stay active and healthy, here is your chance to become a certified Walk Leader. In this training course you will be able to:
  • Gain leadership skills
  • Learn about safety and route planning
  • Promote health and wellness in our community
  • Join a supportive network of fellow enthusiasts

Don’t miss this opportunity to access the FREE training and lead the way towards a healthier future. Limited spots available, so sign up by emailing CarjezBryan@everyoneactive.com

Email to Sign Up

JUST OVER A WEEK TO GO! Network Funding Applications closing on Sunday 30th March

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  • News Post

JUST OVER A WEEK TO GO! Network Activity Project Funding Applications Closing Sunday 30th March

The deadline for the ActiveWestminster Network partners to submit a proposal for funding support of up to £2000 is fast approaching. Make sure you apply by next Sunday 30th March at midnight.

This funding can be used to support a new or to upscale an existing health and wellbeing physical activity community project. 

Project Delivery Timeframe: April 2025 – March 2026

Please note funding is subject to network partners and their projects meeting specific criteria as outlined on on our dedicated page on our website – you can find all the information you need here: Network Activity Project Funding 

Submission Deadline Fast Approaching: Sunday 30th March 2025 at midnight 

Please note funding is subject to network partners and their projects meeting specific criteria as outlined on on our dedicated page on our website – you can find all the information you need here: Network Activity Project Funding 

Make an impact in your community, APPLY NOW!

Apply Now

Don’t Throw Away Your Chance to Help! Deposit It!

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  • News Post

Deposit Your Single Use Bottles and Cans - Help North Paddington Receive £500 from Everyone Active!

 
Following one of the Climate Assembly’s recommendations, we installed in a new Reverse Vending Machine at Paddington Recreation Ground – a winning idea from the Westminster City Council Innovations Challenge hosted at the end of 2021. 
  
We just wanted to remind you that every little contribution helps!
 
Did you know that recycling aluminium cans saves energy and avoids the mining of new Bauxite Ore used for aluminium production. Every year, recycled cans help to avoid nearly five percent of the world’s total mining of Bauxite. 

How it works – Help North Paddington Youth Centre get a £500 donation!

Deposit all your single-use plastic bottles and aluminium drinks cans into the machine at Paddington Recreation.

Oh and by the way, for every item deposited, 10p will be donated to the North Paddington Youth Club!

And it get better! The wonderful folks at Everyone Active have kindly agreed to donate £500 if the youth club hits their target of 2,500. Let’s help them get there – not only are you doing something good for the planet but you are also contributing to a worthy cause! It’s a win-win!

So come on down to Paddington Recreation Ground and get depositing!

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