Facebook X-twitter Instagram

community

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

by

  • News Post

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.

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

by

  • News Post

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

Apply For The ActiveWestminster Bursary To Access Real Opportunities And Make A Real Impact

by

  • News Post

Apply For The ActiveWestminster Bursary To Access Real Opportunities And Make A Real Impact

The ActiveWestminster Bursary is already helping so many residents take meaningful steps towards  brighter futures, helping them build confidence, gaining valuable experience and opening doors to new opportunities through sport, physical activity and wellbeing.

Designed to support people who are passionate about making a difference, the bursary gives residents access to training, experience and connection that can help shape future careers while also creating a positive impact within local communities.

And the best part? The impact is already being felt.

From growing confidence and developing new skills to inspiring others through movement and wellbeing, residents taking part in the bursary are already showing how investing in people can create lasting community change.

A flyer with a white background detailing all info about the bursary - benefits, how to apply etc. There is a picture of older white male coaching a young black boy
Real people, real impact. Our bursary is already changing futures, make sure the next one is yours.

Investing in futures through movement and community

The bursary isn’t just about qualifications or experience, it’s about helping people feel empowered, supported and connected while creating opportunities that may not otherwise feel accessible. 

Whether supporting community activities, encouraging healthier lifestyles or helping residents discover new passions and pathways, the programme is about using movement and wellbeing as a force for positive change. 

Your future starts here

If you are passionate about sport, physical activity, wellbeing and giving back to your community, this could be your chance to gain valuable experience and invest in your future.

Ready to find meaning and purpose? Find out how the ActiveWestminster Bursary could help shape your future.

Apply Now

SEND Mini Marathon 2026 Brings Big Energy To Paddington Recreation Ground

by

  • News Post

SEND Mini Marathon 2026 Delivers Smiles, Superstars & Serious Trackside Energy

Paddington Recreation Ground was bursting with energy, cheers and unforgettable moments as more than 130 young SEND people came together for this year’s SEND Mini Marathon 2026.

From the first warm up to the final medal handed out, the atmosphere was incredible, with schools bringing the noise, supporters cheering every lap and young athletes lighting up the track with determination, confidence and pure joy.

Whether participants chose to run, walk or wheel their way around the course, every sinhle competitor crossed the finish line like a champion.

AW, London Marathon Events & EA Team members holding up medals
A young black SEND child attempting the Change4Life drill/warm activity
Medals being given out to participants by the members of the EA team
Finish line
Change for life team member and Pali yoga - author of 8 steps of calm

More than 130 young athletes, one incredible atmosphere and a celebration of confidence, inclusion, and community spirit.

More than medals & a finish line

The day was about far more than sport. It was a celebration of inclusion, confidence, wellbeing and community spirit, with young people supporting one another and enjoying the experience together every step of the way. 

Every participant received an impressive medal provided by London Marathon Events, while the lovely folks from Change4Life kept the energy high trackside with interactive games, drills and warm ups throughout the event.

Schools also had the opportunity to engage with “8 Steps of Calm” – a valuable wellbeing resource created by author, yoga teacher and mindfulness practitioner Pali Kaur. Inspired by Eight Steps of Yoga, the resource introduces simple tools around breathing, movement and mindfulness to help young people build confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing. Designed to support young people with SEND, both at home and in school, the resource also offers valuable guidance for parents, carers and teachers.

Big energy from some very inspiring young people

It was fantastic to see the SEND mini Marathon continue to grow, with even more young super humans taking part this year and creating unforgettable memories on and off the track.

A huge thank you to all the schools, teachers, supporters and partners who helped make the day so specials.

A truly inspiring event proudly facilitated by ActiveWestminster in partnership with Everyone Active.

Stay Safe At Home: Why The #ChargeSafe Campaign Matters

by

  • News Post

Stay Safe At Home: Why The #ChargeSafe Campaign Matters

From phones and laptops to e-bikes and scooters, lithium-ion batteries are part of everyday life, but unsafe charging can pose a serious fire risk.

That’s why we are supporting awareness around the ChargeSafe campaign, helping residents better understand how to safely charge, use and store battery-powered devices at home.

The importance of battery safety continues to grow. London Fire Brigade attended more than 200 e-bike and e-scooter fires across London in 2025, the highest number ever recorded, with Westminster among the boroughs with the highest number of incidents.

Simple actions like using the correct charger, avoiding overcharging, never charging devices while asleep and keeping escape routes clear can make a huge difference in helping prevent fires and keeping house holds safe.

LFB ChargeSafe Campaign

Fire Safety Starts At Home

Residents are encouraged to explore the London Fire Brigade Safety Checker for personalised advice and practical guidance on making homes safer for you and your family.

London Fire Brigade is also continuing to raise awareness through this year’s ChargeSafe campaign activity and community engagement events, including partnering with Deliveroo for a Rider Roadshow event at Soho Fire Station on 2nd June. Following more than 600 riders attending last year, the event will once again share vital fire safety advice around e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries.

Young people can also get involved through the London Fire Brigade Fire Cadets Programme – a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, learn life-saving skills, make new friends and gain valuable teamwork and leadership experiences while supporting the local community.

Find Out How To Stay Charge Safe

Tai Chi Tuesdays At Paddington Recreation Ground: Come And Find Your Flow And Zen With Us

by

  • News Post

Tai Chi Tuesdays At Paddington Recreation ground: Come And Find Your Flow & Zen With Us

Slow things down, stretch it out and take a moment for yourself with our new weekly Tai Chi sessions at Paddington Recreation Ground, delivered by the wonderful team at Open Age, a charity empowering older adults across London to stay active, curious and connected.

Taking place every Tuesday, between 2:00 – 3:00 p.m, these sessions offer a welcoming and relaxed space for older adults to move more, improve balance and mobility, reduce stress and connect with others in the community.

Tai Chi Flyer
Gentle minds, and community connection - find your flow every Tuesday at Paddington Recreation Ground

Slow movement, big benefits

At ActiveWestminster, we believe all movement counts, and staying active doesn’t always have to mean high intensity workouts or fast paced fitness classes. We’re continuing to expand opportunities for residents to move in calm, slow and intentional ways that support both physical and mental wellbeing. 

Moving your body and resetting your mind

Known for gentle flowing movements and mindful breathing, Tai Chi is not only great for improving flexibility, coordination and balance, but also offers a chance to slow down mentally, reset and go do something positive for your mind while moving your body. You will leave feeling calmer, more energised and more connected.

Whether you are completely new to Tai Chi, or are already familiar with the practice, all levels are welcome.

Book online, via the Everyone Active app, or on site!

For more information, contact Open Age by phone on 020 4516 9974 or via email on physicalactivity@openage.org.uk