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Westminster Council

Introducing the New ActiveWestminster Strategy 2024-2028

Introducing the New ActiveWestminster Strategy 2024-2028

We’re excited to announce the launch of the ActiveWestminster Strategy 2024-2028! This forward-thinking plan is designed to transform how physical activity, leisure, and sport are integrated into daily life across Westminster. Building on the successes of previous strategies, this updated vision focuses on inclusivity, accessibility, and community wellbeing.

Using the ‘Move for Life!’ framework, the strategy outlines three core themes of delivery:

  1. Active Lives: Encourage more residents to engage in regular physical activity by offering tailored programmes that focus on targeting different needs and abilities.
  2. Active Neighbourhoods: Create vibrant local environments with parks and open spaces, safe streets, and community-led initiatives that inspire movement and connection.
  3. Active the City: capitalising on Westminster’s top-class facilities and meaningful partnerships to make physical activity a central part of its identity.

Why This Matters:

Westminster faces unique challenges, such as high rates of inactivity and childhood obesity. The strategy emphasises reducing health disparities, promoting sustainability through active travel, and fostering strong community networks. It also supports programs like Active Streets, which repurpose residential areas for play and active lifestyles, and Active Lives for All, ensuring no one is left behind.

With this strategy, Westminster aims to create a healthier, happier city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive through movement and physical activity.

basketball players

For more details, visit the ActiveWestminster Strategy page by following the link below.

Celebrating the Winners of the ActiveWestminster Awards 2024

Celebrating the Winners of the ActiveWestminster Awards 2024

The 15th edition of the ActiveWestminster Awards shone a spotlight on the incredible individuals, clubs, and organisations that make Westminster an active, inclusive, and vibrant community. Held at the historic Porchester Hall on Friday November 15, the event recognised the inspiring efforts that bring physical activity, leisure, and sport to the heart of our community.
 
The winners of the 2024 Active Westminster Awards are:
 
Thanks also to our wonderful host Qasa Alom https://qasaalom.co.uk/ and special guest Oliver Lam-Watson, Team GB Paralympian.
Also special thanks to Guy Lansiquot (Winner of the Dance Westminster 2024) who performed a fantastic opening dance with professional dancer from Step Change Studio, Georgia.
 
Well done everyone to all the winners and finalists! It was a great inspiring night. 

Highlights of the night of the Awards 2024

Making Play Inclusive – New Inclusive Alfred Road Playground Officially Open

Making Play Inclusive - New Inclusive Alfred Road Playground Officially Open

Official Launch of the First Inclusive Playground in Wesminster, the Alfred Road Playground
On 5th November 2024, Westminster City Council and ActiveWestminster celebrated the launch of Westminster’s first-ever accessible playground at Alfred Road (W2).
Local community members, schools and children were invited to celebrate the official launch of the playground and try out the exciting new equipment designed by award-winning playground experts Playscheme.
 
The playground was co-designed with local parents and children to create a space that reflects the community’s needs. By collaborating with residents, the council has revived the old playground into something fresh and exciting where children of all abilities can have fun, learn and grow together.
A local parent who brought this initiative to the council’s attention, Sara said:
 
“As a parent of a child with complex needs, I am deeply committed to the idea that every child has the right to play, socialise, and learn together. While we have made significant progress in embracing diversity across various backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation, individuals with disabilities often remain overlooked and undervalued within these discussions.
To effect real change in our attitudes and behaviours towards people with disabilities, we must focus on shifting perceptions. The best way to achieve this is by allowing children to interact with and learn from these differences, helping them realise that our shared experiences far outweigh our distinctions.
I take pride in being a resident of Westminster, a London borough that actively champions community initiatives to enhance the lives of all its residents.”
alfred road playground launch
photo group

The renovation of the Alfred Road Playground aims to revitalise a community space, enhance wellbeing and encourage an active lifestyle by addressing barriers to outdoor play. The new and improved playground combines both traditional and innovative technology to create an inclusive playground that can be enjoyed by all.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Voluntary Sector, Cllr Nafsika Butler-Thalassis said:

“Inclusive and accessible spaces are necessary for the healthy functioning of our community. Play is an important part of a child’s development, and by renovating Alfred Road Playground with accessible equipment, we are fostering an inclusive environment where all children can be active, make friends and reap the benefits of outdoor play.”
“We look forward to continue working with the residents and local partners to build a healthier and happier future for Westminster.”
Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Cara Sanquest said:

“We are incredibly delighted to see the renovation of the Alfred Road playground into a space where children of all abilities can learn and play together. This was made possible by involving local parents and children throughout the entire process to ensure that the new playground reflected their needs.”
“It was energising to see so many community members at the launch and feel the excitement in person.”

Come along and join the fun!

For any information or query, please use our Contact Us page or email active@westminster.gov.uk

ActiveWestminster Awards 2024 – Shortlisted Finalists Announced

The Active Westminster Awards 2024 - Shortlisted Finalists Announced

The ActiveWestminster Awards 2024 recognise those who change lives through their outstanding contribution to physical activity, leisure and sport.

We received over 300 nominations from residents for the awards, only possible thanks to everyone who took the time to recognise the hard work of inspiring people and organisations across Westminster.

The shortlisted finalists have been invited to the awards ceremony taking place on Friday 15 November at Porchester Hall.

This year’s shortlisted finalists

Inclusive Award

Girls Allowed
BikeWorks
Sport for Confidence

Rewarding and Celebrating Diversity Award

Hurdles2Hoop
Cory Kierstead
Park Sports

Change4Life Award

Renegades Netball Club
Park Sports
Girls Allowed

OneYou Award

Fit4Life – AgeUK
Zodiac Arts
Get Connected Fitness Programme – Turning Point

Active Place or Space Award

Sayers Croft London
St John’s Wood Local Nature Reserve
Porchester Centre, Hall and Spa

PE & School Sports Award

St Marys of the Angels
Marylebone Bridge
St Edwards

Club or Coach of the Year Award

Proud Sports
Amy Taalat
Alfie McGivern

Sports Personality of the Year

Edward Marcal Whittles
Niloufar Rezaei
Georgina Steele

The Lord Mayor of Westminster Unsung Hero Award, In memory of Mariam Sabir

Linger Zhou
Sarah Beshir
Anthony Lazare

COUNTDOWN TO THE EVENING OF THE 2025 ACTIVEWESTMINSTER AWARDS

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Good luck to all the finalists and thank you again to everyone who submitted a nomination.

For more information, please visit the main ActiveWestminster Awards page on the Westminster website.

Sport For Confidence Open Day at Moberly Sports Centre Monday 28th October

Sport For Confidence Open Day at Moberly Sports Centre Monday 28th October

SAVE THE DATE
 
Sport For Confidence are holding an OpenDay in Westminster on Monday 28th October 10.30pm – 12.30pm and we can’t wait to share a series of free taster sessions with you!
 
Location
Moberly Sports Centre
25 Chamberlayne Rd, London NW10 3NB
 
FREE TASTER SESSIONS
Come along to meet our team and find out more about our Sport for Confidence services in Westminster. Plus, FREE taster sessions of Boccia, Gentle Exercise and Racket Sports!

All abilities welcome!

sfc open day moberly full poster

For further information, please email info@sportforconfidence.com or contact Occupational Therapist Ava Thomas on 07706 364225.

Sport For Confidence Open Day at Queen Mother Sports Centre Friday 6th Sep

Sport For Confidence Open Day at Queen Mother Sports Centre Friday 6th Sep

SAVE THE DATE
 
Sport For Confidence are holding an OpenDay in Westminster on Friday 6th September 11am -1pm and we can’t wait to share a series of free taster sessions with you!
 
Location
Queen Mother Leisure Centre
223 Vauxhall Bridge Road, Westminster SW1V 1EL
 
FREE TASTER SESSIONS
Come along to meet our team and find out more about our Sport for Confidence services in Westminster. Plus, FREE taster sessions of Boccia, Gentle Exercise and Racket Sports!

All abilities welcome!

sfc open day

For further information, please email info@sportforconfidence.com or contact Occupational Therapist Jennifer Brookland on 07355 093142.