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ActiveWestminster

Westminster Strikes Gold At Parliament Hill

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Westminster Strikes Gold At Parliament Hill

Westminster has kicked off the London Youth Games 2025/26 season in outstanding style, claiming Gold in the U17 Girls race at the iconic Cross Country opener at Parliament Hill.

Delivering a commanding run, Sonny Allen took the top spot with a rapid 11:04 over the 3km course, outperforming athletes from 32 London boroughs. More than 1,500 young runners filled Hampstead Heath on Saturday 8 November, creating a vibrant atmosphere for one of the most anticipated fixtures in the LYG calendar

"It feels amazing. I've been running for quite a while and I've done London Youth Games here a few times, but I never thought I'd win it, so it's a surreal experience and I'm so happy. It's a huge thing because it's one of the biggest competitions that I've won so far. London Youth Games is just an amazing atmosphere, amazing community."

Sonny Allen

The London Youth Games has launched the careers of some of Britain’s biggest sporting names — including Sir Mo Farah, Alex Yee, and Sam Reardon, all of whom once raced this same course.

“Sport has the power to bring people together… hopefully there is some talent competing this year who can go on to great success.”

Sonny Allen

The London Youth Games has launched the careers of some of Britain’s biggest sporting names, including Sir Mo Farah, Alex Yee, and Sam Reardon, all of whom once raced this same course. Sir Mo Farah said:

ActiveWestminster extends its thanks to the City of London Corporation, the South of England Athletics Association, and all Borough Team Organisers for delivering another inspirational London Youth Games event.

Supporters inspired by Westminster’s success can help make a difference by running for the London Youth Games Foundation at a future Half Marathon, raising funds to create more life-changing opportunities for young Londoners.

Step Up for London’s Youth

ActiveWestminster Awards 2025: Celebrating 16 Years of Inspiring Local Champions

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ActiveWestminster Awards 2025: Celebrating 16 Years of Inspiring Local Champions

The ActiveWestminster Awards returned for its 16th year with an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, programmes, and partnerships that make Westminster an active, inclusive, and connected community. Held at the historic Porchester Hall on Friday 14 November, the 2025 edition once again highlighted the remarkable individuals, clubs, and organisations who bring physical activity, leisure, and sport to life across our city.

A huge thank you to our brilliant host, Qasa Alom, and to our special guest, sprinter and Champion of the Future Athlete, Ricardo Dos Santos, for joining us to celebrate this year’s finalists and winners. The evening opened with an outstanding performance from Daniel, winner of Dance Westminster 2025, who lit up the stage alongside Liam from Step Change Studios. The energy continued to build with incredible entertainment from The Gold Vocal Collective, who had the audience moving and singing along, and the much-loved Magician Trixy, who left everyone amazed with his jaw-dropping tricks.

The Winners of the ActiveWestminster Awards 2025 are:

A massive well done to all our winners, finalists, and nominees. Your dedication, passion, and commitment continue to make Westminster a place where everyone can be active and thrive. It was an energising and uplifting night, and we are proud to celebrate every single one of you.

Stay tuned for highlights and stories from the night as we continue to shine a light on the people powering our ActiveWestminster community.

Highlights from the ActiveWestminster Awards 2025

Awards25-11
Awards25-15
Awards25-33
Awards25-39
Awards25-42
Awards25-45
Awards25-16
Awards25-46
Awards25-48
Awards25-50
Awards25-52
Awards25-53
Awards25-90
Awards25-57
Awards25-59
Awards25-84
Awards25-60 (1)
Awards25-62
Awards25-75
Awards25-64
Awards25-65
Awards25-66
Awards25-89
Awards25-67
Awards25-73
Awards25-74
Awards25-76
Awards25-77
Awards25-82
Awards25-87
Awards25-88

You’ve Still Got Time To Make A Difference! Speak Up And Shape The Future of Westminster

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You’ve Still Got Time To Make A Difference! Speak Up And Shape The Future Of Westminster

There’s still time to make your voice heard and help shape the future of Westminster.

The City Plan sets out how the city will develop. Your voice will influence many things, from new homes and offices to leisure spaces, sustainability goals, and community priorities. Westminster City Council is currently reviewing the plan to ensure it continues to reflect the needs, ambitions, and character of everyone who lives, works, and visits the city.

This is your chance to have a real impact on what our city looks and feels like in the years to come.

Share your views and help shape the future of Westminster!

How to Get Involved

  • Take part in the online surveys to share your thoughts on Westminster’s vision and priorities for the next phase of the City Plan.
  • Join a community workshop near you to discuss your ideas in person and receive a £30 voucher for your time.
  • Have your say before midnight on 20 November.

Your feedback will directly influence the decisions that shape Westminster’s future, from greener streets and sustainable buildings to inclusive spaces for everyone.

Share your views

We want to hear what you think. All Westminster residents are welcome to share their views online, in person, or both! 
 

Online Surveys

There are two surveys:

1. Westminster Vision: Share your thoughts and ideas on future developments in the City of Westminster.
2. The City Plan 2019 – 2040: Primarily aimed at those who are familiar with the City Plan and its policies. However, it is open to anybody who wishes to share their thoughts.

Both surveys are running and will be available to take until midnight on 20 November.

Have Your Say

There is one more in-person workshop!

There is still one more in-person workshop this Thursday, 13th November, between 6-9:00 p.m., where residents, business owners, and people from the local community can come and share their views. Light refreshments will be available, and you will receive a £30 gift voucher as a token of our appreciation for your time. It will take place at: Fitzrova Community Centre, 2 Foley Street, London W1W  6DL.

To sign up, all you need to do is email: rebecca@neighbourlylab.com

To find out more about the workshop, email: planningpolicy@westminster.gov.uk

Join The Workshop

Have Your Say On Westminster’s Cultural Strategy 2026-30

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Have Your Say On Westminster's Cultural Strategy 2026-30

The online consultation for Westminster’s Cultural Strategy 2026-30 is now open, and Westminster City Council wants to hear from you!

As the heart of London’s world-renowned arts and culture scene, Westminster is home to countless creative spaces, performances, and cultural experiences. Yet not everyone who lives here gets to enjoy them. That’s why the council is inviting residents, community groups, and partners to help shape the next five-year plan for culture in Westminster.

Culture creates value,  enriching lives, boosting wellbeing and building thriving communities.

The Cultural Strategy 2026-30 will set out how we can make culture accessable for all, from free community arts programmes and youth initiatives to creative enterprises, regeneration projects and local events that bring people together.

By sharing your views, you can help grow creativity, widen access to arts and culture, and ensure every community benefits from Westminster’s incredible cultural offer.

Have your say today

Complete the short online survey and help shape the future of culture in Westminster

Your Voice, Your Westminster

A Knockout Night At The Lord Mayor’s Boxing Cup 2025!

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A Knockout Night At The Lord Mayor’s Boxing Cup 2025

What a night! The Lord Mayor’s Boxing Cup lit up Porchester Hall with incredible talent, electric energy, and unbeatable community spirit.

Local boxers from across Westminster stepped into the ring and delivered powerful performances, showcasing skill, heart, and true sportsmanship. The crowd brought the noise, the music kept the energy high, and the atmosphere was buzzing!

A huge thank you to everyone who came along, cheered, and helped make the night unforgettable! Roll on next year!

On The Ground – Sharing Your Stories: November’s NSC Spotlight

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This Month We're Shining A Light On Step Up 2 Fitness

Step Up 2 Fitness (SU2F) is empowering women and girls across Westminster to move, strengthen, and connect, all in a supportive, women-only environment. 

Led by coach and project coordinator Hasna Kahlalech, SU2F delivers functional fitness sessions twice a week that bring together women of all ages and abilities, where they can develop mentally as well as physically.

About the sessions

The sessions run twice a week – every Wednesday between 12:30-2:30 pm and every Saturday between 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Each session combines strength, cardio, balance, mobility, and flexibility, using a mix of weights, resistance loops, Pilates rings, and yoga bands. The workouts are adaptable for everyone, from young women just starting to peri-menopausal and post-menopausal participants, rebuilding strength and confidence. 

Programme Case Study

Highlights from this quarter
  • The programme welcomed 15 new participants, reaching its highest attendance level since 2022.
  • A new Mobility and Rehab Circuit was also introduced, specifically designed for women recovering from injuries or returning to physical activity after a period of rest. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants saying they feel supported, motivated, and challenged at the right level

“Since joining, I feel fitter, stronger, and part of a supportive sisterhood. The new rehab circuit has been a game-changer for me.”
Soumeyya, Participant

Participant Case Study

Participant Profile: Aisha, 42, is a Westminster resident and mother of three. She works part-time and often finds it difficult to prioritise her own health and wellbeing while balancing family responsibilities.
Reason for getting involved in the programme: Aisha first heard about SU2F through a friend. She was looking for a women-only space where she could exercise comfortably without compromising her cultural needs and values. 

“I had been inactive for years and felt nervous about joining mainstream gyms, but SU2F felt like a safe starting point.”

Aisha, Participant
Programme impact: Since joining, Aisha has experienced significant improvements in both her physical and mental health. She has built strength, improved her flexibility, and lost weight in a supportive, judgement-free environment. Beyond fitness, she says the sense of community has been life-changing.
Participants’ view of future engagement in physical activity: Aisha now sees fitness as a permanent part of her life. She plans to continue attending SU2F classes regularly and has even expressed an interest in joining a coach training pathway in the future. 

“I’ve made friends here who encourage me. I feel motivated, healthier, and more confident in myself.”

Aisha, Participant

“This is just the beginning for me—I want to keep improving, and I’d love to support other women the way I’ve been supported."

Aisha, Participant

Find out more about the Step Up To Fitness and the other sessions available through our Neighbourhood Sports Club programme, upcoming sessions, and how to register for future Unity in the Community tournaments on the NSC event page or contact Ryan Denys at ryandenys@everyoneactive.com.

 
NSC Programme

Want to share your experience?

Your stories inspire us — and others! If you’ve taken part in an NSC session and want to share your experience, we’d love to hear from you. Click the button below to reach out.

Share your story