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New Refurbished Church Street MUGA Opens for the Community

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New Refurbished Church Street Multi Use Games Area Opens for the Community

We’re thrilled to announce the official opening of the newly refurbished Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) at Kennet House in Church Street! This is a fantastic new space for the community to get active, play and connect.

The MUGA was officially opened by Councillor Aicha Less, who joined local residents and young players to celebrate this exciting addition to the neighbourhood.

Councillor Aicha Less joins local residents to officially open the new Church Street MUGA – another fantastic community space for everyone to enjoy and get active!

As part of ActiveWestminster’s commitment to investing in local facilities, this new space provides more opportunities for everyone to stay active, healthy and connected — right in the heart of Westminster.

Whether you’re looking to play football with friends, get involved in community sport, or simply enjoy being outdoors, the Church Street MUGA is open to all. Come down and check it out!

Supporting Mind and Body Together: Free and Inclusive Activities in Westminster

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Supporting Mind and Body Together: Free and Inclusive Activities in Westminster

World Mental Health Day (10 October) serves as a poignant reminder that mental wellbeing is integral to our overall health. This year, the theme “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” emphasises the critical need for accessible mental health support during crises. While global events highlight this urgency, it’s essential to recognize that fostering mental health resilience begins within our communities.

At ActiveWestminster, we are committed to ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to engage in activities that promote both physical and mental health. Through our Move for Life! Strategy 2024–2028, we aim to create a fairer, healthier, and happier Westminster by providing inclusive and accessible movement opportunities for all.

Inclusive activities for mental wellbeing

Westminster offers a diverse range of free and low-cost activities to support both mental and physical wellbeing:

  • Gentle Movement: Engage in activities like yoga, somatic therapy walking, and cycling. Whether it’s high-impact or slower-paced, movement makes a difference

  • Be Active in Your Neighbourhood: Participate in guided walks and outdoor community activities to connect with nature and others.

  • Community leisure offers: Access discounted services through the ActiveWestminster Card, making movement accessible for every community member.

  • Inclusive programs for all residents: Our goal is to provide safe and welcoming environemnts for every resident from every walk of like to move and get active in a way that works best for them. That’s why we run initiatives like Edutain+ (in partnership with Everyone Active and SportWest) – a school holiday camp that is suitable for children with disabilities to engage, and connect with their peers. We’ve recently launched a brand-new swimming club for adults with disabilities, which is delivered by WeSwim, an organisation dedicated to supporting inclusive swimming ActiveWestminster’s Commitment to Mental Health

ActiveWestminster’s Commitment to Mental Health

Our approach is guided by three strategic pillars:

  1. Active Lives: Encouraging residents to engage in regular physical activity through tailored programs that focus on different needs and abilities.
  2. Active Neighbourhoods: Creating vibrant local environments with parks, open spaces, safe streets, and community-led initiatives that inspire movement and connection.
  3. Active City: Capitalising on Westminster’s top-class facilities and meaningful partnerships to make physical activity a central part of its identity.

These pillars ensure that mental wellbeing is at the heart of how Westminster moves.

Take a Step for Your Wellbeing

This World Mental Health Day, we encourage you to take a simple step: move for your mind. Whether it’s a walk with a friend, trying a new class, or just taking five minutes to stretch, every bit counts.

We’re committed to a fairer, healthier, happier Westminster, where everyone has the chance to move, connect, and thrive.

Move for Your Mind This World Mental Health Day

Exciting Improvements Coming To The Younger Children’s Play Area At Pad Rec!

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Exciting Improvements Coming To The Younger Children’s Play Area At Pad Rec!

We’re making playtime even better!

The younger children’s play area will be partially closed from Monday 13 October to Friday 24 October to allow for the installation of brand-new play equipment and enhanced safety surfacing.

These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to provide safe, fun, and high-quality spaces where children can be active, explore, and play together.

We will endeavour to complete these works as quickly and efficiently as possible, keeping disruption to a minimum throughout the process and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused. 

  • Closure dates: Monday 13 – Friday 24 October
  • Reason: Installation of new play equipment and improved safety surfacing

Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to improve your local spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Get moving with AC-TI-VATE at Churchill Gardens!

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Get moving with AC-TI-VATE at Churchill Gardens!

We’re excited to introduce AC-TI-VATE, a new project designed to bring young people and families together through fun, active, and healthy experiences and delivered by our partners Sportwest.

Every Wednesday from 4–5pm at Churchill Gardens, AC-TI-VATE offers a space for the community to get moving, try out enjoyable physical activities, and build confidence in leading a more active lifestyle.

But AC-TI-VATE is about more than just exercise. It’s about:

  • Ownership and involvement – young people and families are encouraged to help shape the programme and make it their own.

  • Community connection – providing a safe, welcoming environment where people can come together, meet new friends, and feel part of something positive.

  • Healthy living – fresh fruit is provided each week, reinforcing the importance of healthy eating and balanced habits.

Whether you’re coming along for fitness, fun, or simply to connect with others, AC-TI-VATE is here to support you. Bring your family, friends, and energy – and let’s build a healthier, more connected community together.

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Vitality Westminster Mile – A brilliant celebration of community and activity

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Vitality Westminster Mile - A brilliant celebration of community and activity

What a day! 

The Vitality Westminster Mile took place on Saturday 27 September and it was a joyful, inclusive celebration – a wonderful sunny day with people of all ages and abilities coming together to move, cheer and connect.

The 2025 Vitality Westminster Mile saw more than 6,000 people take in the iconic one-mile route around St James’s Park, starting on The Mall and finishing in front of Buckingham Palace. This included almost 400 in the Westminster Community Wave, featuring families from across Westminster’s diverse communities.

The participants also enjoyed the Vitality Wellness Festival in Green Park, which featured free activities for friends and family, as well as the general public. It was a record-breaking edition of the event, with a new Guinness World Record set and a new record for the oldest-ever participant, aged 99! Recognisable names taking part on the day included former England Cricket captain Sir Alastair Cook, TV personality Rachel Riley and The Body Coach Joe Wicks. What a brilliant day. 

Huge thanks to the organisers, sponsors, volunteers and every single participant. It was a soul warming fun day for everyone. 

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Join Friday Community Football Sessions At Paddington Rec With Rachel Yankey Foundation

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She Shoots, She Scores! Girls’ Football With Rachel Yankey At Pad Rec Every Friday!

Girls aged 11–16, this one’s for you!  The Rachel Yankey Foundation (RY11) is bringing girls-only community football sessions to Paddington Recreation Ground, and all levels are welcome.

Learn, play, and be Inspired by one of football’s greatsl

This is your chance to train with Rachel Yankey OBE — a trailblazer of the women’s game and former star for Arsenal Ladies, Fulham Ladies, and England. Alongside her dedicated team of coaches at RY11, Rachel brings a wealth of experience, passion, and energy to every session.

More than just a footballing icon, Rachel is a pioneer who continues to inspire the next generation of young female players. Her journey from grassroots to the international stage shows what’s possible, and now she’s sharing that knowledge and drive with girls across Westminster and beyond.

RY11, is all about:

  • Inspiring and empowering girls through the power of football
  • Building skills and confidence
  • Creating opportunities to thrive both in football and beyond

Whether you’re stepping onto the pitch for the first time or already love the game, these sessions are all about fun, growth, and teamwork.

Got Questions? Contact: info@rachelyankeyfoundation.co.uk

Spread the word — let’s fill the pitch and shape the future of girls’ football together!