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FREE Inclusive Coaching Workshop: Book Now For Wednesday 4 November

21 October 2026 by Sheena Kotecha

News Post
October 21, 2026

FREE Inclusive Coaching Workshop: Book Now For Wednesday 4 November

More people taking part. More opportunities to play. Build the skills to make your sports sessions more inclusive.

Calling coaches, teachers and volunteers! Join our free Inclusive Coaching Workshop on Wednesday 4 November and discover how to adapt activities so disabled people can get involved with confidence.

Small changes. More ways to take part.

Delivered by Disability Sports Coach, this introductory three-hour workshop explores how to adapt and deliver sports sessions for disabled people. Whether you’re new to inclusive coaching or already coaching disabled participants regularly, it’s an opportunity to develop your approach and build on your experience.

An inclusive session makes room for different ways to play. Explore how adapting activities can help make sport more accessible, and bring a fresh perspective back to your club, school or community group. The workshop is also suitable continuing professional development (CPD) for those already coaching disabled people.

Join us on 4 November

Ready to make your sessions more welcoming and accessible? Places are limited — visit our Foundation Training page and select Book Now under Inclusive Coaching Workshop to sign up or click on the button below

Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026
Time: 6pm–9pm
Venue: North Paddington Youth Club, 229 Lanark Road, London, W9 1EA
Cost: Free
Delivered by: Disability Sports Coach

Keep learning. Keep making a difference.

Ready to add more skills to your toolkit? ActiveWestminster’s Foundation Training offer gives coaches, volunteers and community organisations access to free core training, including first aid and safeguarding. Discover more ways to grow your confidence and put your learning into action in your community.

Step Up, Join In: Dance Westminster Heats Are Almost Here!

29 September 2026 by Sheena Kotecha

News Post
September 29, 2026

Step Up, Join In: Dance Westminster Heats Are Almost Here!

Three free heats. One unforgettable celebration. Your Dance Westminster journey starts this October.

Dance Westminster is back, bringing disabled residents, workers and students together through movement, confidence and fun. Whether you are trying dance for the first time or ready to take centre stage, everyone is welcome—no experience needed.

Choose your heat and take the floor

Join a free workshop, learn a routine with professional instructors and, if you are ready, audition on the spot. Perform the routine or freestyle your own—the choice is yours.

Heat 1: Wednesday 7 October, 10:30am-12pm: Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee School, Kennet Road, W9 3LG – For disabled children and young people aged 11-17
Heat 2: Friday 9th October, 2:30pm-4pm: Forrester Court Care Home, Cirencester Street (Off Harrow Road), W2 5SR – For older disabled people aged 50+
Heat 3: Wednesday 14th October, 10am-12pm: North Paddington Youth Club, 229 Lanark Road, W9 1EA – For young people and adults aged 50+

Start at the heats, shine at the grand final

Ten finalists will be paired with professional dance partners for one-to-one coaching before taking the stage at Porchester Hall on Tuesday 1 December. Join us from 12:30pm–3pm, with the show starting at 1pm, and help choose the People’s Champion alongside a celebrity judging panel.

Ready to move? Sign up for a heat and take your first step. Not dancing? Come along to support the performers, feel the energy and cheer them on at the Grand Final.

Share this with someone who would love to take part or join the crowd.

For help, email ibannister@westminster.gov.uk, or contact active@westminster.gov.uk for more information.

The Vitality Westminster Mile Delivers An Iconic, Record-Breaking Day

28 September 2026 by Sheena Kotecha

News Post
September 28, 2026

The Vitality Westminster Mile Delivers An Iconic, Record-Breaking Day

Over 8,000 finishers. One iconic route. A world-record pyjama party.

The 2026 Vitality Westminster Mile filled the heart of the capital with family fun, record-breaking moments and an unforgettable celebration of movement.

The 2026 Vitality Westminster Mile took over central London, with more than 8,000 finishers completing the iconic route around St James’s Park from The Mall to a spectacular finish outside Buckingham Palace.

The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Karen Scarborough, got the day under way as starter for the first wave, while Councillors Robert Rigby and Ben Sewell were among those joining in and celebrating the occasion.

The Mall became the world’s biggest pyjama party as hundreds of children, parents and families tackled the mile in PJs, stripes and fleecy onesies. From toddlers in buggies to three generations crossing the line together, the day captured what this London 2012 legacy event is all about: making activity fun, accessible and inclusive.

The buzz continued at the free Vitality Wellness Festival in Green Park, with cricket, basketball, dance, martial arts, crafts and high-energy Guinness World Record challenges. Olympians Chris Thompson and Montell Douglas joined the fun, before Cameron Boyek won the men’s BMC Bannister Mile and Kate Axford equalled the women’s course record in 4:23.

What an amazing day! A huge thank you to the organisers, sponsors, partners and volunteers who made it all possible, and to every participant who brought such incredible energy to the course. Together, you made the 2026 Vitality Westminster Mile an iconic, record-breaking celebration that Westminster will never forget.

Ready for another unforgettable mile? Entries for the 2027 Vitality Westminster Mile on Saturday 25 September are now open.

Access More Free Training This Autumn

24 September 2026 by Sheena Kotecha

News Post
September 24, 2026

Access More Free Training This Autumn

ActiveWestminster’s Foundation Training Programme continues this autumn with two more FREE workshops at North Paddington Youth Centre this Autumn.

Coaches, volunteers, teachers, youth workers and community organisations can build practical skills to help make sessions safer, more welcoming and accessible for everyone.

The Emergency First Aid at Work course on Monday 5 October is now fully booked. Thank you to everyone who signed up — it is great to see such strong interest in gaining life-saving skills.

Upcoming training

Safeguarding and Protecting Children Workshop
Wednesday 7 October, 6pm to 9pm
North Paddington Youth Centre, 229 Lanark Road, London, W9 1EA

Build confidence in recognising concerns, responding appropriately and creating safe, supportive spaces for children and young people.

Inclusive Coaching Workshop
Wednesday 4 November, 6pm to 9pm
North Paddington Youth Centre, 229 Lanark Road, London, W9 1EA

Learn how to adapt activities so disabled people can take part with confidence in more accessible and inclusive sessions.

Places are limited, so sign up now and bring new skills back to your club, group or community session.

Just Turn Up And Get Moving

22 September 2026 by Sheena Kotecha

News Post
September 22, 2026

Just Turn Up and Get Moving

Free, fun and pressure-free multisport sessions are landing at Paddington Recreation Ground for young people aged 11 to 16. No trials, no stress, no need to be sporty, just turn up, move, play and have a laugh.

FREE sessions every week

Just Turn Up gives 11 to 16 year olds a welcoming space to get active, try different activities and enjoy time with others at their own pace.

Sessions take place every Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm to 5pm at Paddington Recreation Ground. Meet on the MUGA by the track and get ready to move, play and see what you enjoy.

No pressure, just play

These open, inclusive multisport sessions are all about having fun in a safe and supportive space. You can join in, try something new, build confidence or simply enjoy being active with others.

You do not need experience, fancy kit or a perfect game plan. Come as you are, bring your energy and have a go – everyone is welcome.

Ready when you are

Whether you want to run around, learn a new skill, meet people or shake off the school day, Just Turn Up is a simple way to get involved without any fuss.

Just turn up and join the fun. Free sessions run every Wednesday and Thursday, 4pm to 5pm, on the MUGA by the track at Paddington Recreation Ground.

Football, Fun And Community Spirit Take Centre Stage

18 September 2026 by Sheena Kotecha

News Post
September 18, 2026

Football, fun and community spirit take centre stage

More than 150 young people came together for Unity in the Community — a brilliant celebration of grassroots football, teamwork and local pride in Westminster.

From friendly competition to cheering from the sidelines, the event was all about helping young residents get active, build confidence and feel part of something bigger.

A brillitant day on and off the pitch

Unity in the Community brought young players, families, local clubs and community partners together for a fun-filled day of football and connection.

With four age categories taking part, the event created a safe, welcoming space for young people to enjoy sport, meet others and celebrate the power of community.

More than just football

The day was about much more than the final score. It supported grassroots football, strengthened local partnerships and helped young people build confidence through organised sport.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who helped make the event possible — from clubs and coaches to volunteers, families, partners and supporters.

Get the full lowdown

Want to see how the day went?

Head to the Unity in the Community event page for the full recap, key highlights and event impact.

Keep an eye on the ActiveWestminster website for next year’s event dates and in the meantime, explore more ways to get active, try something new and connect with sport in your local area.

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