Facebook X-twitter Instagram

Volunteering

Westminster Celebrates Lifelong Volunteers’ Week: Thanking Those Who Make A Difference

by

  • News

Westminster Celebrates Lifelong Volunteers’ Week: Thanking Those Who Make a Difference!

This Volunteers’ Week (2–8 June) is a time to recognise, celebrate, and inspire, as people across the UK give their time to strengthen communities. Here in Westminster, ActiveWestminster is proud to partner with Westminster Connects to launch our Volunteering Programme, designed to amplify the impact of volunteering in sport, leisure, and beyond.

About Westminster Connects

Set up at the start of the COVID‑19 pandemic, Westminster Connects brings together residents who want to help with people who need support—such as shopping, gardening, or companionship. It’s a vital platform that connects volunteers with vulnerable community members and local charities

ActiveWestminster Volunteering Programme

Launched in partnership with Westminster Connects, our programme is tailored to:

  • Support local clubs and organisations in posting and promoting volunteer roles.
  • Provide a central platform for sport and physical activity volunteering across Westminster.
  • Encourage individuals who live, work, study, or visit Westminster to discover and register for relevant opportunities

This means whether you’re passionate about coaching, event support, inclusivity in sport, or outdoor projects, there’s a role for you—and it’s all managed through a single, easy-to-use system.

Programme Aims & Benefits

  • For volunteers: Gain practical skills, build confidence, meet new people, and improve wellbeing—all while making a meaningful contribution.
  • For clubs/organisations: Get “volunteer ready”, reach committed helpers, and access training and support including London Volunteer Management Charter standards

Celebrate During Volunteers’ Week

Volunteers’ Week is the perfect time to – it’s not too late: 

  • Say thank you to the many dedicated volunteers supporting ActiveWestminster.
  • Showcase diverse volunteer stories which inspire others to get involved in community sports and activities.
  • Strengthen our local fabric, reinforcing community spirit and collective wellbeing.

Get Involved

Curious to help out or want to find the right fit? Here’s how:

  • Register with Westminster Connects to explore opportunities in sport, education, companionship, and more.
  • Sport-specific roles (e.g., coaching, event support) will be tagged and promoted via ActiveWestminster.
  • Contact our team at active@westminster.gov.uk for any questions about the programme
Find Out How to Make a Difference

Seymour Leisure Centre Community Day: Meet The Team, Hear The Plans, Join The Conversation

by

  • News

Seymour Leisure Centre Community Day: Meet The Team, Hear The Plans, Join The Conversation

We’re inviting local residents and community members to a Community Day to get the latest on the exciting refurbishment of the Seymour Leisure Centre and how you can be part of it.

This major improvement project will deliver:

  • A brand new open-plan gym
  • A refurbished swimming pool
  • A modern library and café
  • A children’s soft play area
  • An upgraded climbing wall
  • All while celebrating and preserving the building’s beautiful Art Deco architecture.

Event Details

The event takes place next Saturday 14 June between 12:00 – 3:00p.m at Church Street Leisure Centre, 1 Fisherton Street, NW8 8BF

What to Expect on the Day

  • Updates on the project
  • Information about apprenticeship opportunities in construction
  • An opportunity to meet with the contractors and design team
  • A space to share your views and connect with your community

Get more info via the Seymour Leisure Centre Project

Building a Better Seymour with you in Mind 

Follow the Progress

Celebrate World Environment Day By Recycling For A Cause At Paddington Recreation Ground!

by

  • News Post

Celebrate World Environment Day By Recycling For A Cause At Paddington Recreation Ground!

 

This World Environment Day (5 June), join the global movement to #BeatPlasticPollution by taking action right here in Westminster.

Our Reverse Vending Machine in the Pavilion at Paddington Recreation Ground is ready for your single-use plastic bottles and aluminium cans. And every item you deposit it helps both the planet and our local community.

Installed following a recommendation from Westminster’s Climate Assembly and brought to life through the Westminster Innovations Challenge, this machine is a smart solution to reduce waste and do some good

Why it Matters

Recycling aluminium saves 95% of the energy needed to make new cans. Recycling just one plastic bottle can power a light bulb for up to 6 hours. It also keeps harmful waste out of our streets, rivers, and green spaces.

Support North Paddington Youth Club

  • Deposit your cans and bottles into the machine at Paddington Rec.
  • 10p per item goes directly to North Paddington Youth Club.
  • Reach 2,500 items and Everyone Active will donate an extra £500! So far this year we have had 496. 

Why Some Items May be Rejected

To make sure your recycling counts, it’s important to follow a few simple rules. The most common reason for rejected items is missing barcodes—often because they’re part of a multipack where the barcode is only on the outer wrapping.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the top rejection reasons:

  • No barcode 
  • Double bottle inserted 
  • Shape error
  • Unrecognised barcode 
  • Bottle pulled out before scanning
  • Material error
  • Bin full – please notify staff if this happens

** Top tip: Make sure each item has a clear barcode and is inserted one at a time to ensure it’s accepted! **

Find the Reverse Vending Machine in the pavilion at Paddington Recreation Ground today – and be part of of a local effort to protect the planet and support local youth. 

Let’s recycle smart, support our community and #BeatPlasticPollution together.

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

by

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

by

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

Seymour Leisure Centre Community Day: Meet the Team, Hear the Plans, Join the Conversation

by

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

Join our Mailing List:

Sign up here