Facebook X-twitter Instagram

Volunteering

SEND Mini Marathon 2026 Brings Big Energy To Paddington Recreation Ground

by

  • News Post

SEND Mini Marathon 2026 Delivers Smiles, Superstars & Serious Trackside Energy

Paddington Recreation Ground was bursting with energy, cheers and unforgettable moments as more than 130 young SEND people came together for this year’s SEND Mini Marathon 2026.

From the first warm up to the final medal handed out, the atmosphere was incredible, with schools bringing the noise, supporters cheering every lap and young athletes lighting up the track with determination, confidence and pure joy.

Whether participants chose to run, walk or wheel their way around the course, every sinhle competitor crossed the finish line like a champion.

AW, London Marathon Events & EA Team members holding up medals
A young black SEND child attempting the Change4Life drill/warm activity
Medals being given out to participants by the members of the EA team
Finish line
Change for life team member and Pali yoga - author of 8 steps of calm

More than 130 young athletes, one incredible atmosphere and a celebration of confidence, inclusion, and community spirit.

More than medals & a finish line

The day was about far more than sport. It was a celebration of inclusion, confidence, wellbeing and community spirit, with young people supporting one another and enjoying the experience together every step of the way. 

Every participant received an impressive medal provided by London Marathon Events, while the lovely folks from Change4Life kept the energy high trackside with interactive games, drills and warm ups throughout the event.

Schools also had the opportunity to engage with “8 Steps of Calm” – a valuable wellbeing resource created by author, yoga teacher and mindfulness practitioner Pali Kaur. Inspired by Eight Steps of Yoga, the resource introduces simple tools around breathing, movement and mindfulness to help young people build confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing. Designed to support young people with SEND, both at home and in school, the resource also offers valuable guidance for parents, carers and teachers.

Big energy from some very inspiring young people

It was fantastic to see the SEND mini Marathon continue to grow, with even more young super humans taking part this year and creating unforgettable memories on and off the track.

A huge thank you to all the schools, teachers, supporters and partners who helped make the day so specials.

A truly inspiring event proudly facilitated by ActiveWestminster in partnership with Everyone Active.

Stay Safe At Home: Why The #ChargeSafe Campaign Matters

by

  • News Post

Stay Safe At Home: Why The #ChargeSafe Campaign Matters

From phones and laptops to e-bikes and scooters, lithium-ion batteries are part of everyday life, but unsafe charging can pose a serious fire risk.

That’s why we are supporting awareness around the ChargeSafe campaign, helping residents better understand how to safely charge, use and store battery-powered devices at home.

The importance of battery safety continues to grow. London Fire Brigade attended more than 200 e-bike and e-scooter fires across London in 2025, the highest number ever recorded, with Westminster among the boroughs with the highest number of incidents.

Simple actions like using the correct charger, avoiding overcharging, never charging devices while asleep and keeping escape routes clear can make a huge difference in helping prevent fires and keeping house holds safe.

LFB ChargeSafe Campaign

Fire Safety Starts At Home

Residents are encouraged to explore the London Fire Brigade Safety Checker for personalised advice and practical guidance on making homes safer for you and your family.

London Fire Brigade is also continuing to raise awareness through this year’s ChargeSafe campaign activity and community engagement events, including partnering with Deliveroo for a Rider Roadshow event at Soho Fire Station on 2nd June. Following more than 600 riders attending last year, the event will once again share vital fire safety advice around e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries.

Young people can also get involved through the London Fire Brigade Fire Cadets Programme – a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, learn life-saving skills, make new friends and gain valuable teamwork and leadership experiences while supporting the local community.

Find Out How To Stay Charge Safe

Tai Chi Tuesdays At Paddington Recreation Ground: Come And Find Your Flow And Zen With Us

by

  • News Post

Tai Chi Tuesdays At Paddington Recreation ground: Come And Find Your Flow & Zen With Us

Slow things down, stretch it out and take a moment for yourself with our new weekly Tai Chi sessions at Paddington Recreation Ground, delivered by the wonderful team at Open Age, a charity empowering older adults across London to stay active, curious and connected.

Taking place every Tuesday, between 2:00 – 3:00 p.m, these sessions offer a welcoming and relaxed space for older adults to move more, improve balance and mobility, reduce stress and connect with others in the community.

Tai Chi Flyer
Gentle minds, and community connection - find your flow every Tuesday at Paddington Recreation Ground

Slow movement, big benefits

At ActiveWestminster, we believe all movement counts, and staying active doesn’t always have to mean high intensity workouts or fast paced fitness classes. We’re continuing to expand opportunities for residents to move in calm, slow and intentional ways that support both physical and mental wellbeing. 

Moving your body and resetting your mind

Known for gentle flowing movements and mindful breathing, Tai Chi is not only great for improving flexibility, coordination and balance, but also offers a chance to slow down mentally, reset and go do something positive for your mind while moving your body. You will leave feeling calmer, more energised and more connected.

Whether you are completely new to Tai Chi, or are already familiar with the practice, all levels are welcome.

Book online, via the Everyone Active app, or on site!

For more information, contact Open Age by phone on 020 4516 9974 or via email on physicalactivity@openage.org.uk

The Half Term Fun Starts Here: Enjoy FREE Child and Adult Swimming With Us

by

  • News Post

The Half Term Fun Starts Here: Enjoy FREE Child and Adult Swimming With Us

Don’t have a clue how to keep the kids entertained this May? Don’t worry we’ve got it covered.

FREE Swimming Amended Web

With an ActiveWestminster Card you can take advantage of our Child and Adult FREE swimming offer and keep the kids active, and keep the boredom at bay. Whether it’s to build confidence in the water, get better at the skill of swimming or simply have fun, it’s the perfect way to do something active during the holidays.

*Terms and conditions apply

Get Your ActiveWestminster Card

Active days, happy faces

Swimming is enjoyable, accessible, and has so many benefits, making it the perfect way to stay active, and break up the holidays while building confidence in the water.
  • Build essential water confidence and life skills
  • Stay active with a fun, full body workout
  • Improve overall fitness and wellbeing 
  • Spend quality time together
  • Affordable family fun

Check eligibility and rules

  • One free adult per qualifying child.
  • Free swim session times vary by leisure centre – check websites for details.
  • Children under 8 must be supervised in the water by an adult (18+), with a maximum ratio of two children to one adult.
  • Participants must register for the ActiveWestminster card in advance. All children must be residents to quality for the scheme.
  • All swim sessions must be pre-booked. Wristbands to be collected at reception.
  • Available Monday – Friday, from 10am to 4pm during school holidays (times may vary by pool).

Ready to make a splash?

Sessions are running throughout the holiday period and booking is simple! Each session is one hour long, however times vary by pool, so please check beforehand to avoid disappointment. Explore all of our swim offers on the link below.
Swim Offers

Active Antz Sessions For Little Adventurers!

by

  • News

Active Antz Sessions For Little Adventurers!

Looking for a fun, engaging way to keep your little ones active? Our Active Antz  sessions are the perfect mix of play, movement, and learning through adventure! The sessions are designed to help  young children to build confidence, coordination, and social skills whilst engaging with other little ones, in a safe and exciting environment.

Active Antz CC and Moberly flyer
Click on the flyer and get the kids bouncing this half term! 

Session information

How to book

Spaces are limited so make sure you don’t miss out and get the little ones signed up for fun:
  • Via the QR code or by clicking on the flyer above
  • Via the Everyone Active app or website
  • Or in centre!

Sessions are only £3.45. On your first go you’ll receive a loyalty card – get 5 stamps and get the next session FREE!

Confidence, Inclusion And Smiles All Round At Westminster’s First SEND Swim Gala

by

  • News Post

Confidence, Inclusion And Smiles All Round At Westminster's First SEND Swim Gala

On Friday 15 May, Queen Mother Sports Centre was full of smiles, cheers and growing confidence as Westminster hosted it’s very first schools SEND Swim Gala.

Delivered in partnership with Panathlon Challenge, the event welcomed pupils from College Park School and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee School for a fun and inclusive day of races, team challenges and water based activities designed to help young people with special needs and disabilities build confidence in the pool

swimming cap on the water
A brilliant day of teamwork, encouragement and young people building confidence in and around the water

More than just a gala

For many participants, the gala was about much more than just swimming. It was about trying something new, feeling included and enjoying the calming sensory benefits the water can provide. 

A huge thank you goes to the teachers and school staff who brought amazing energy and support throughout the day, alongside the team at Everyone Active Queen Mother Sport Centre for helping create such a welcoming and inclusive environment.

As a pilot event, the gala provided valuable learning opportunities and a brilliant foundation to build on for the future – and after such a positive first edition, we’re already excited for what next year could bring!