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Westminster Council

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

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  • 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.

Turn Off The Engine, Turn Up The Play! Barnsdale Road Becomes A Play Street This Summer

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Turn Off The Engine, Turn Up The Play! Barnsdale Road Becomes A Play Street This Summer

Barnsdale Road W9 is swapping cars for community and fun this summer and you’re all invited! Sessions start on Tuesday 10th June.

Thanks to Happy Lizzy Event Planning (HLEP!), the street will be transformed into a safe, car-free zone where kills where kids rule the road and neighbours and community folks can come together and connect. It’s all part of our Play Street Sessions, designed to give children the freedom they deserve to play and explore with no fear on their doorstep.

Ready, Set, Play!

Here’s the Plan:
  • Kids reclaim their street for safe, free play on: Tuesdays: 10, 17 & 24 June and 15 & 22 July between 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
  • Facilitated by the trusty team at Happy Lizzy
  • Parents hang back and relax responsible while little ones run the show and have some fun
  • Absolutely no traffic during sessions – play first, cars later!
  • Resident and delivery access is still allowed, with more care
  • A small request: Please help us clear the space you can and move your car during the session times if possible 

Let’s bring play back to the street. Whether you want to toss a ball around, jump rope, or just cheer, everyone is welcome!

 

For more info call: 07867 803 081

Make Your Street a Play Street!

Bring Your Community Together with Westminster’s Community Events Fund

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Bring Your Community Together with Westminster’s Community Events Fund

Westminster City Council is offering grants of up to £2,500 or £5,000 for collaborative projects to support community-led events that celebrate culture, promote cohesion, and encourage collective reflection. 

Who can apply

Eligible applicants include registered charities, CICs, and individuals affiliated with Westminster-based groups. Funding can cover venue hire, event staffing, refreshments, and other related costs.

girls enjoying a fun community event

Qualification criteria

To qualify, events must be:

  • Free
  • Running on single-day and most importantly
  • Inclusive – Private parties, political activities, and profit-making events are not eligible.
Get the full fund details and eligibility criteria on Community Events Fund on the Westminster City Council website.
 

Apply now and make your event happen!

Start Your Application

Queen Mother Sports Centre Achieves ‘Excellent’ Quest Rating!

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Queen Mother Sports Centre Achieves 'Excellent' Quest Rating!

We’re proud to celebrate the wonderful Queen Mother Sports Centre, one of our Everyone Active Leisure Centres for achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating in their recent Quest Assessment!

Quest is the UK’s leading quality scheme for sport and leisure facilities, recognised across the industry for setting high standards in customer service, community engagement, and operational management. An “Excellent” rating is a significant achievement, reflecting the centre’s ongoing commitment to delivering outstanding services and experiences for all users.

Highlights from the assessment report:

  • A diverse range of activities catering to the whole community
  • GP referral schemes and dedicated gym sessions to support health and wellbeing
  • Inclusive Sport for Confidence sessions to engage people with additional needs
  • Quiet pool sessions designed to support those living with dementia
  • Excellent security and access arrangements, ensuring a safe and welcoming space for everyone

This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team at Queen Mother Sports Centre. They continue to create a truly inclusive and community-focused environment where everyone can feel supported, safe, and inspired to be active.

Visit Everyone Active

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

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

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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

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