News

Westminster Connects and RoAR are coming together We wanted to tell you about an upcoming change to Westminster Connects. Westminster Connects and the Register of Active Residents, known as RoAR, are joining together to make it easier for people to get involved in life across Westminster. RoAR was established in 2022 to help people who live, work or study in Westminster play an active role in shap

Westminster Connects is happy to announce that we have a new role available. Become a Neighbourhood Volunteer and connect with an older, disabled or socially isolated neighbour in a way that suits your schedule. By sharing a little time (usually once a week) and practical support, you can help a resident stay independent—and help both of you feel more connected to your local community.You might sh

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to use your creativity to help others?Step inside Open Age’s creative arts workshops, where older adults are building confidence, sparking friendships, and discovering the joy of trying something new. In this interview, Lucy, a Creative Arts Volunteer at Open Age shares their experience. What activities do the attendees enjoy the most?As a Creative Volunteer,

Westminster Connects have just launched a bespoke, Lone Working Training for our Core Service Volunteers.By the end of the course, you will be able to:Understand what Lone Working meansRecognise common risks when working aloneCarry out a simple dynamic risk assessmentKnow what to do if you feel unsafeUnderstand how to report accidents and incidentsFeel confident volunteering safelyThis is a bitesi

It might be the summer holidays, but Westminster Connects Volunteers have still been out in our communities, doing the good work! Find out what we have been up to this month below.Queen's Park Summer FestivalQueen’s Park Summer Festival took place on Saturday 1st August, and the community came out in full force to enjoy the most diverse festival in the area.This festival aims to celebrating the 15

For the first time, Westminster Connects invited Community Engagement Researchers (CERs) to join our Summer Appreciation Event. The day began with a group activity that encouraged participants to mix, share their experiences, and learn more about Westminster Connects volunteering and CER projects. The group then enjoyed a visit to the Palace, followed by the maze and café garden. Participants valu

Cllr Karen Scarborough, The Lord Mayor of Westminster“As I enter my third month as Lord Mayor, meeting Westminster’s different communities has been one of the greatest privileges of the role. I am proud of the diversity that makes our city so special and inspired by the community spirit I see every day, whether it is the important work done by community groups or residents volunteering to shop or

Across Westminster, the past few weeks have been full of energy and community spirit, with Westminster Connects volunteers helping residents, visitors and families enjoy some of the borough’s most spectacular events.From the excitement of West End LIVE 2026 in Trafalgar Square, where thousands gathered for the UK’s largest free open-air musical theatre event, to neighbourhood celebrations across t

In our latest Westminster Connects newsletter, we shared a message from Cllr Robert Rigby, Westminster City Council's new Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Civic Pride.“If you are one of the many people giving their time through Westminster Connects, thank you. What you do - whether it is a weekly shop for a neighbour or volunteering for a local community organisation supporting those in ne

Happy Volunteers’ Week 2026! Volunteers’ Week is a special opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution our volunteers make across Westminster. Your time, kindness and commitment make a real difference to residents and communities every day, and we are hugely grateful for everything you do.During Volunteers Week (1-7th of June), Westminster Connects volunteers and Community R

We would like to tell you about our new Community Code of Conduct for the Westminster Connects platform.We strive to foster respectful, responsible and inclusive engagement. This Community Code of Conduct sets out what we expect from everyone using the platform and helps create a space where everyone feels safe, valued, heard, and supported. By following these guidelines, you are helping to build

Community Exhibition Lights Up PimlicoWestminster Connects volunteers helped bring creativity and community spirit to life at In a State to Create – The Exhibition, held at Cave in Pimlico on 30 April.Encouragement Through Talking and Arts (a Pimlico-based charity) and Tate Britain, supported by Westminster Connects volunteers, invited residents in South Westminster to explore their thoughts and f

Celebrating Volunteering in Westminster: Highlights from the Community Awards 2026! Westminster City Council had the pleasure of honouring it's remarkable volunteers at this year’s Community Awards 2026. The ceremony took place at Underbelly Boulevard in Soho on 23 March 2026. The evening was a wonderful showcase of the far-reaching impact made by both individual volunteers and voluntary community

Westminster Community Awards 2026It's time to celebrate our community heroesWe need your help to celebrate the incredible individuals who make an impact in our community - in big ways or small. With 12 award categories, we’re honouring volunteers, green champions, neighbourhood centres, art and culture leaders, and so much more.Anybody can nominate, so shine a spotlight on your community hero toda

On the 28th of January, we were absolutely delighted to host our Annual Westminster Connects Volunteer Thank You Event, where we celebrated the outstanding dedication of our active volunteers in the local community. The evening was a heartwarming gathering of volunteers and community partners, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect, share stories, and strengthen the bonds that make our work

Black History Month 2025 – Standing Firm in Power and PrideSix Westminster Connects volunteers assisted at the Westminster Youth Council’s Black History Month event on 30 October at Marylebone Town Hall, helping with front-of-house duties, welcoming guests and stewarding.The event highlighted Black excellence by featuring the achievements of Westminster’s young people, showcasing their talent, lea

Over the past five years, the incredible support of Westminster Connects Volunteers at events across Westminster has made a real difference. We’re so grateful to have you as part of our wonderful volunteering community. However, we want to let you know about some upcoming changes to how we will manage volunteering for events going forward. We understand that change can sometimes be unsettling, but

Appreciation Events - Thank You Westminster Connects VolunteersThis August, Westminster Connects organised two special appreciation events for our active volunteers who have been busy and engaged in the community.At the Tower of London, 22 volunteers had the chance to connect with each other and enjoy an interesting cultural day out. They experienced a fascinating walking tour of the Tower of Lond

This week, Westminster City Hall was transformed into a nature and planting hub in celebration of South Asian Heritage Month 2025. The theme, Roots to Routes, encouraged reflection on South Asian agricultural history and its modern-day connections with young people.The youth mental health charity Ashok's Vision International, which also specializes in climate work, led planting activities with sta

Westminster Connects at Pride in London Westminster Connects provided eight volunteers, stationed in the Piccadilly Grandstand area. Our volunteers worked closely with volunteers from Pride in London to check tickets, look after guests, and support the stands. The volunteers were a friendly and welcoming presence to all visitors throughout the day. The event featured a vibrant parade with five hun