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

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The Abbey Centre Is Impacting Women's Wellness With Their Weekly Yoga Sessions

The Abbey Centre  is spreading the zen throughout the borough with their weekly women’s wellness yoga sessions, which have been designed to give women a space to connect, socialise, stay active  and find their calm.

What to expect in the sessions

The sessions every Friday between 9:30-10:30 pm (with the exception of Easter and Christmas holidays).

Each session combines a series of stretching exercises and guided breathing techniques with a goal to help improve strength and flexibility whilst reducing stress and enabling participants to find balance in the fast moving chaotic place the world can sometimes be.

Programme Case Study

Highlights
  • The programme engaged 29 participants during December 2024 over three classes, maintaining consistency in attendance throughout the quarter.
  • Successful introduction of breathing techniques which have been positively received
  • Participants have reported feeling more relaxed and connected, reducing stress and isolation
  • This year there are plans to expand the offering in partnership with VICEC by providing classes at St Andrew’s Youth Club.

Participant Case Study

Participant Profile: Josephine, in her 70s, enjoys participating in the sessions  
Reasons for getting involved in the programme: Having had spinal surgery, Josephine wanted to regain her strength
Programme Impact: Getting involved in the programme has enabled her to gain hope, confidence and connection from being in a shared space with others. She has also been able to take the exercises learnt in the sessions to practice yoga at home. Josephine aspires to continue attending the sessions and build on the strength and confidence she has already gained.

Find out more about the Abbey Centre 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

Panathlon SEND Schools Competition Brings Energy and Inclusion to Moberly Sports Centre

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Panathlon SEND Schools Competition Brings Energy and Inclusion to Moberly Sports Centre

Moberly Sports Centre was full of energy on Thursday, 13 November as the annual Panathlon SEND Schools Multi-Sports Competition returned, bringing together pupils from across Westminster for a full day of inclusive sport.

Across morning and afternoon sessions, 64 young people took part: 38 primary pupils from five schools and 26 secondary pupils from four schools. With more schools keen to join next time, the event continues to grow as a key fixture for SEND engagement in the borough.

The competition featured a wide range of accessible and highly interactive activities, all designed to encourage teamwork, confidence-building and fundamental movement skills. Corporate volunteers from Aspen partnered with Panathlon to support each challenge, helping pupils rotate through stations, track scores and keep the momentum high throughout the day.

Everyone Active provided the space and coaching support, creating a dynamic environment where pupils could try new activities, compete with enthusiasm, and celebrate each other’s achievements. Representatives from London Marathon Events were also on-site, allowing schools to secure places in the Mini London Marathon 2026 – a highlight that captured the imagination of many pupils and teachers.

Both the primary and secondary school competitions were closely contested, with strong performances and evident team spirit across all participating schools. Edward Wilson Primary School emerged as the morning winners, and in the afternoon, our champions were Abingdon House School.

This event serves as a fantastic lead-in to UK Disability History Month (20th November – 20th December), highlighting the achievements of disabled people and the importance of inclusive opportunities for young people with SEND. 

ActiveWestminster continues to champion inclusive sport, ensuring children and young people with SEND have the chance to participate, grow and thrive through physical activity. Looking for more inclusive physical activity opportunities across the borough? Explore our full range of programmes by clicking on the button below

Get Active For All

This year, we captured some of the thoughts of teachers, volunteers, partners, and participants on film. They shared their reflections on what inclusive sporting opportunities mean for their school communities. 

Watch this space for a deeper look into what makes this event so valued across Westminster.

Temporary Car Park Closures At Paddington Recreation Ground

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Temporary Car Park Closure At Paddington Recreation Ground

We would like to inform all visitors of scheduled temporary car park closures at Paddington Recreation Ground over the coming weeks. These closures are required to support planned operational activity on site and ensure the space can be managed safely and efficiently.

Closure dates and times

  • Thursday 27 November 2025: 6:30 am – 9:30 pm
  • Friday 28 November 2025:  6:30 am – 9:30 pm
  • Saturday 6 December 2025: 6:30 am – 8:30 pm

During these periods, no vehicle access or parking will be available. All other areas of the park will remain open as usual.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation while these arrangements are in place. Please plan your visit accordingly and allow extra time for travel where needed.

If you require further information, please contact the site team.

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