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Westminster Sports

Breaking Barriers: FREE Tennis Sessions For People Who Have Experienced Homelessness At Pad Rec

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Breaking Barriers: FREE Tennis Sessions For People Who Have Experienced Homelessness At Pad Rec

A racket, a court and a welcoming community can make all the difference. Discover how a new weekly tennis program at Paddington Recreation is using sport to break down isolation, boost wellbeing, and rebuild confidence for people who have experienced homelessness.

SIngle Homeless Tennis At Pad Rec_AW News Post Feat Image
A safe supportive space build for residents who have experienced homelessness. Connect with your Single Homeless Project hub to claim your FREE sport

Every Friday at 1:00 p.m., the connection and recovery.

Launched by Bright Ideas For Tennis and the Single Homeless Project (SHP), this new initiative is proving that a simple rally can help break down walls. Designed specifically for individuals who have experienced homelessness, the project offers a welcoming, stigma free environment to grab a racket, get moving, and just play.

Levelling the playing field

Sport build resilience and confidence, but for those navigating housing insecurity, recreational activities are often completely out of reach.

This project tackles that divide. Participants are connected directly through SHP’s local support hubs to join the FREE Sessions every Friday from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. By removing a the financial and social hurdles, Bright Ideas and SHP are ensuring that movment – and the community that comes with it, belongs to everyone. 

More than just play

Play streets help create healthier, happier, and more connected communities by giving children safe spaces to play close to home and encouraging neighbours to spend time together outdoors.

The real win

The true impact goes far beyond perfecting a backhand. Regular physical activity breaks the deep social isolation that can often accompancy homelessness while providing a vital boost to mental health.

For that hour on the court, participants can leave their worries at the gate, focus on the game, and simply have fun.

At ActiveWestminster, we love seeing local spaces used to genuinely uplift our residents. It’s a brilliant reminder that breaking a barrier can be as simple as serving a ball.

Road Closed. Fun Open. Join The Official Launch of Barnsdale Road Play Street

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Road Close, Fun Ope. Join The Official Launch Of Barnsdale Road Play Street

Get ready for an afternoon play, movement and community fun for Barnsdale Road Play Street officially launches on Tuesday 23 June 2026 from 4-6pm.

Launch Flyer AW brand
The street is yours! Join us for the official launch of Barnsdale Road Play Street and enjoy an afternoon of games, bikes, fun and community spirit

As part of Westminster’s Active Streets programme, this free event will transform Barnsdale Road into safe and welcoming space where children can play freely, families can connect and neighbours can come together. 

Play, ride and explore

Expect plenty of fun with physical activity games led by Happy Lizzy, helping children get active while making new friends and trying something new.

Cycle Connect will be helping young riders build confidence on two wheels, and Dr Bike will be offering free bike checks and maintenance advice.

More than just play

Play streets help create healthier, happier, and more connected communities by giving children safe spaces to play close to home and encouraging neighbours to spend time together outdoors.

Come and be part of it

We’d love to see the community, especially our younger residents, helping us celebrate the official launch of Barnsdale Road Play Street.

Bring your bike, scooter, friends and family and join us for an afternoon of fun, laughter and community spirit.

One Mile. Endless Smiles. Are You In? Join The Vitality Mile 2026

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One Mile. Endless Smiles. Are You In? Join The Vitality Mile 2026

This September, the Vitality Westminster Mile returns, bringing together runners. walkers, families, schools and local communities for a day of energy, achievement, and unforgettable Westminster spirit.

Whether you are chasing a personal best, tackling your first event, or just looking for a fun day out with family and friends, there’s a place for you at the start line.

community wave poster
Scan the QR Code to grab one of 500 free local spaces

Your mile, your way

The beauty of the Vitality Westminster Mile lies in its simplicity. One mile can be a personal challenge, a family adventure, a fundraising opportunity or the first step in a fitness journey. 

Open to all ages and abilities, this, this event is designed to be inclusive, welcoming and accessible, because every step counts.

From The Mall to the Palace

Experience one of the most iconic routes in the country: starting on The Mall,, looping around St Jame’s Park and finishing right in front of Buckingham Palace. 

It’s a rare chance to take part in a world-class event while soaking in some of London’s most famous landmarks.

On the house for Westminster residents

Thanks for our partnership with London Marathon Events, Westminster residents can claim FREE spots in the Westminster Community Wave, and every participant will receive a souvenir medal to mark their achievement.

With 500 free places available, you want to secure yours soon.

Schools, clubs and community groups can also get involved through dedicated event waves, giving even more residents a chance to experience the excitement of event day.

Ready, set, sign up

Whether you run, jog, walk or wheel your way around the course, the Vitality Westminster Mile is your chance to join an incredible day of community spirit, achievement, and fun.

Sign up today by clicking on the button below and take your place at the start line

Secure Your Free Spot

Gain New Skills, Build Confidence And Make An Impact This Summer

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Gain New Skills, Build Confidence, An Impact This Summer

Looking to learn something new this Summer? ActiveWestminster’s upcoming First Aid and Safeguarding courses are a fantastic opportunity to develop valuable life skills, strengthen your CV and gain confidence wile supporting healthier, safer communties.

Yellow, Blue and Green Foundation Training Flyer with yellow and and white text with offer details, and a picture of female football coach with female footballer
Skills that build confidence, strengthen communities and could one day make a life changing difference

These courses form part of ActiveWestminster’s wider Foundation Training Programme, with our Skills and Training Programme, designed to help residents develop practical skills, gain recognised training and build confidence through learning.

Whether you’re exploring future employment opportunities, considering volunteering, or simply looking to invest in yourself, these courses offer practical skills and knowledge that can make a real difference both personally and professionally. 

First Aid Training

Knowing what to do in an emergency is one of the most valuable skills you can have, 

Our First Aid Course will help participants develop essential life saving knowledge and practical skills that could help you response confidently when it matters most – at work, at home or within your community. 

Safeguarding

Creating safe, welcoming and inclusive environments starts with understanding how to protect and support others.

Our safeguarding course will provide valuable insight into recognising concerns, understanding responsibilities and supporting the wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults. 

Learn Today, Make An Impact Tomorrow

The skills you gain could help support a colleague, friend, family member or someone in your community when they need it most. Don’t miss out,

Book Your Place Today

The Village Green At Paddington Recreation Ground Re-opens Following Major Restoration

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Village Green At Paddington Recreation Ground Re-opens Following Major Restoration

After months of restoration and care, the refreshed Village Green re-opened earlier this month (May 2026) and welcomed the community back to enjoy, play, relax and reconnect.

Picture of the Village Green after the fences have been removed
A greener, healthier Village Green - restored and ready for the community to enjoy once again

Over the past few months, the Village Green has undergone significant rejuvenation works designed to restore the guilty, appearance and resilience of this much-loved community-space.

Years of regular use and changing weather conditions had left the surface worn, uneven and compacted, with thinning grass, cracking and potholes affecting both the look and usability of the green. The restoration programme was designed to address issues and create a healthier, greener and more suitable space for everyone to enjoy.

A Fresh Start for a Much Loved Space

The works included removing the old surface, repairing damaged areas, re-establishing levels and contours, improving the soil structure and sowing a new grass seed mix to create a stronger, more resilient lawn.

Following a period of careful growth and establishment, the Village Green has fully reopened and is once ready to welcome locals back for relaxation, recreation, informal play and community enjoyment. 

Enjoy it, Protect it, Love it

The Village Green is one of Paddington Recreation Grounds most valued open spaces, and these improvements will ensure it remains a welcoming environment for residents and visitors for years to come. 

Thank you all for your patience and understanding throughout the process. We love seeing the community making the most of the revitalised space as we head from spring back into summer.

Become a Park Maker

Are you, or someone you know, interested in becoming a Park Maker like Anna and helping bring wellbeing, community and activity to Westminster’s parks and green spaces?

Our Park Makers play a vital role in creating welcoming community experiences that help residents connect, stay active and thrive. Click the button below to find out more.

Become A Park Maker

Slow Down & Reconnect With Nature At Our New Forest Bathing Sessions At Paddington Recreation Ground

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Slow Down & Reconnect With Nature: Join Our New Forest Bathing Sessions At Paddington Recreation Ground

Escape the rush of the city and discover a moment of calm.

Picture of Rose Garden at Paddington Recreation Ground
Take a deep breath, slow down and experience the restorative power of nature, right here in the hear of the city.

One of our dedicated Park Makers and holistic therapist, Anna Lindon, is launching brand-new Forest Bathing Sessions at Paddington Recreation Ground from Sunday 31 May 2026, running weekly from 8:30–9:30am. The introductory session is completely FREE, with the opportunity to sign up for future weekly sessions at the same time and location. Ongoing sessions will cost £25.

Designed for adults aged 60+, these calming sessions offer the chance to relax, recharge and reconnect with nature in a peaceful urban setting.

Taking place in the beautiful Rose Garden at Paddington Recreation Ground, the gentle guided experience combines mindful walking, sensory awareness, meditation and relaxation techniques among stunning blooms and mature trees.

Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, enjoy mindful movement or simply take a peaceful pause from the pace of city life, these sessions are designed to leave you feeling refreshed, grounded and revitalised.

Before you unwind

Some important things to note.

Sessions begin promptly, so please arrive 15 minutes early to complete an indemnity form.

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and bringing rainwear, along with a towel or mat to sit on as you relax and reconnect with nature.

Anna will be available after each session to answer any questions or share more information.

For all enquiries, please contact her at annamarialindon@gmail.com

Become a Park Maker

Are you, or someone you know, interested in becoming a Park Maker like Anna and helping bring wellbeing, community and activity to Westminster’s parks and green spaces?

Our Park Makers play a vital role in creating welcoming community experiences that help residents connect, stay active and thrive. Click the button below to find out more.

Become A Park Maker