Meet Jane Buttigieg, one of our amazing local figures of Westminster
Make the most of summer with activities and food for children and young people
Find out about all the free exciting events happening
Choose from hundreds of qualifications and short courses starting from September.
We also have a small selection of courses available in June and July.
Many of our courses are FREE (subject to conditions). We’re here to help, whether you want to retrain for a different career or take up a new hobby.
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Celebrating the best of Westminster’s culture, getting into the carnival vibes and extending our Free School Meals offer for 3-14 year olds
We have launched a suicide prevention campaign, ‘Stay with Us’ to make Westminster a safer community
How you can play your part in putting a stop to sexual harassment in our city
There’s plenty to see and do in the city. Here are some of the current highlights
Our summer outdoor arts festival is back for 2024
How we are addressing serious youth violence
Uncovering the best spots in and around Victoria
Meet Jane Buttigieg, one of our amazing local figures from Westminster
Make the most of your city with our fabulous discounts
School’s out
Free activities and food for children and young people
From consultations to joining resident associations, get involved with your local community and make a difference
How to get in touch with your council teams
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There has been a glorious number of celebrations happening throughout Westminster, showcasing how diverse and vibrant our city really is...
We started June by celebrating Pride month, the annual event that honours diversity, equality and inclusion. It’s a time when the LGBTQIA+ community and allies unite to express pride in our identities. This year’s Pride march celebrations took place on Saturday 29 June. The parade kicked things off, where we marched alongside our friends from Westminster and other boroughs, followed by a festival boasting a vibrant lineup of performers, food and drink vendors, and community groups.
West End Live was a weekend of musical extravaganza on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 June. Trafalgar Square buzzed with excitement as an eclectic array of performances captivated audiences of all ages. The air was filled with the joyous melodies of classic hits and new favourites from shows such as Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Six! The Musical, and Mamma Mia! Each performance was a testament to the incredible talent and hard work of the West End community and the seamless blend of music, dance and theatrical flair provided unforgettable moments for all who attended.
June also saw the 76th anniversary of the Windrush
generation arriving in Britain. Our Global Majority Network organised a community celebration day at which we celebrated and honoured the contributions of this remarkable generation. June also saw us reflecting on the sacrifices of those who served as we honoured the 80th anniversary of D-Day, while the Lord Mayor of Westminster raised a flag outside City Hall to mark Armed Forces Day.
Celebrations continue throughout July and August as our innovative arts and culture festival, Inside Out, is happening as we speak! This year we’re bringing the heart of Westminster alive with an explosion of creativity and culture. From captivating performances to interactive installations, the festival offers residents and visitors a chance to sign up for several free events to explore their more artistic side (check out page 13 for more information on this).
Finally, 25 to 26 August will see the big one - Notting Hill Carnival! A bank holiday weekend full of festivity and unity, for three unforgettable days the carnival will bring the streets of Notting Hill alive with vibrant music, dazzling costumes, and an infectious spirit of celebration. With summer in full swing, it has never been a better time to celebrate diversity in Westminster.
We are extending our programme of free school lunches to continue to include nurseries and secondary schools, so that every Westminster child aged 3 to 14 will receive a free, healthy lunch at school. Having access to have at least one meal a day is expected to improve the health and wellbeing for those currently experiencing food insecurity. This brings benefits for children’s development, as well as mental health benefits for their families. It’s estimated that funding school lunches will save a family £550 per child per year.
“Receiving funding for a free school meal makes an enormous difference for all our families,” says Liz Hillyard, headteacher at Tachbrook Nursery, “particularly those facing the increasing challenges around the cost of living. Having a free school meal means we can ensure all our children have daily access to food. This is absolutely life changing for some of the children we teach. With a full tummy, children can grow, play, learn and develop in the manner we hope every child under five should.”
Despite the introduction of free school lunches during term time, it is still important for families to sign up to the scheme to get access to supermarket vouchers during the holiday periods. Find out more about our Free School Meals programme by calling 07971 625 922 or via our website at: fisd.westminster.gov.uk
This July edition reaches you as the city opens up for summer – and with the cost of living keeping a lid on everyone’s budget, we’re supporting some great free events.
Have a look at the feature on ‘Inside Out’, the festival which brings a range of free art - sculpture, theatre, live performance – out onto the street.
With stretched budgets in mind, I am also pleased to confirm we are making the Free School Meals expansion permanent with the help of funding from the Mayor of London – saving the average family an estimated £550 per child per year.
The warmer weather means our West End is drawing big crowds to enjoy the great night life, and our Night Stars are there to help people enjoy the city safely. We have also launched ‘Stay with Us’ - helping raise awareness of suicide and its impact on our communities, while the Helping Hands Programme is designed to empower young people and community members to be involved in developing initiatives which address the vital issue of youth violence.
Finally, it’s great to have community activist Jane Buttigieg on our front cover. Jane has been a key move in initiatives like the Southwest Fest and the Cave in Pimlico. She is one of those forces of nature who make Westminster what it is.
Cllr Adam Hug
Got something to share about your neighbourhood, Westminster, or any of the features in this magazine? Email us at yourwestminster@westminster.gov.uk or send us a letter by post to: YourWestminster, 17th Floor Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP.
We have launched a suicide prevention campaign, ‘Stay with Us’ with the aim to make Westminster a suicide safer community.
The statistics surrounding suicide are alarming and it can affect anyone. We feel it is our collective responsibility to address this issue head-on. We all have a role to play in providing better support for those who are struggling and to create a suicide safer community.
As part of the campaign, we launched a new digital platform – an online directory of local services and support. We hope that this will be a helpful resource for residents, volunteers, frontline workers and local businesses to be able to help those in need by signposting to local services.
We are also offering free
suicide awareness training for anyone who lives, works or studies in Westminster via our partners, Every Life Matters. Training sessions are all online via Zoom and range from one to three hours. We hope that this training will help you feel better equipped to recognise the warning signs and offer support by not being afraid to ask questions and signpost to local support via our online directory.
We will also work towards breaking down many of the stigmas and misconceptions associated with talking about suicide. By openly addressing this through our campaign, we can foster a more compassionate society, where people feel comfortable seeking support without fear of judgment or discrimination. We hope this will lead to a stronger sense of community and empathy among
To access help and support or to find out more about the training available, visit: westminster.gov. uk/stay-with-us our residents.
“Suicide can affect anybody in the community, any walk of life, any socioeconomic background, any ethnicity, any culture,” says John, a volunteer for Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, pictured above. “It’s something that we all need to be aware of. There is help out there, such as the Stay with Us campaign. If anybody is feeling at all like they can’t find a way out, seek help.”
Hear John’s story: youtube.com/ watch?v=SarbAlnpq7I westminster.gov.uk/fairerwestminster
We all have a part to play in stopping sexual harassment in our city. Normally your instinct will tell you when something doesn’t look right, or when something doesn’t feel right. When someone’s behaviour feels inappropriate, unwanted, offensive or threatening, you can choose to challenge it. Before challenging any behaviour, make sure it is safe for you to do so. Your personal safety is a priority and its important that you are not put at risk of danger when intervening.
Sexual Harassment includes lots of different behaviours, such as: n wolf-whistling n sexual gestures n staring n unwanted sexual advances n making comments on a n person’s appearance or body
This only scratches the surface of some of the behaviours people face when being sexually harassed. Some forms of harassment are more obvious than others, but we must all educate ourselves on the signs to look out for and what we can do about it.
Those who sexually harass are often repeat offenders and some
may commit more serious sexual offences if their behaviour is not challenged. If you see someone vulnerable or in need of help there are a number of ways you can help, don’t chose to ignore it.
Together we can put a stop to sexual harassment. Find out how you can help: westminster.gov.uk/nightsafety/its-her-city-too
While out at night, anyone can find themselves in a vulnerable situation, needing a helping hand. Night Stars are a team of volunteers who are there for you in your time of need to ensure you get home safely. When asked about why they joined, one of our Night Stars, Eva, said: “I have a lot of friends who when they go out, they drink too much and it always worries me what could happen, so when I found out about the programme, I signed up. My first shift was quite busy. A lot of telling people to look out for their phones because there are pickpockets around taking phones. Other than that, it
is handing out water and slippers, and tissues. As a new volunteer I was surprised by how involved we get with people, we go up to people and check they are okay. And really try our best to talk to everyone.
Janet, a Night Star volunteer, said: “I like to be in Soho it’s good fun, and I like to help people. Shifts are all very different; sometimes you are giving out water to people, sometimes you’re chatting to people, sometimes you’re helping somebody who’s in a lot of distress or who needs information. So, every night is different. If you’re thinking of becoming a Night Star, I would
say give it a go. You’ll probably enjoy it. It’s great to meet people and everybody loves the thing that you’re doing. Everybody is appreciative of it - so it’s really rewarding”
What to join our amazing team of night stars, or find out more about what they do: westminster.gov.uk/nightsafety/night-stars
Your guide to events and offers in your local areas…
Enjoy free concerts each weekend and bank holiday at this year’s Regent’s Park Music Festival from 22 June to 22 September. Founded in 2016, The Regent’s Park Music Festival has grown from one concert on the main park bandstand to a diverse celebration of the arts. From classical to contemporary, jazz to world music, there’s something for everyone. So, pack a picnic, soak up the atmosphere, and let the music transport you. Check out the full schedule on the next page. regentsparkmusicfestival.org.uk/
Join us every month at Maida Vale Library for our knitting, crocheting and yarn meet up. Come along to our friendly monthly knitting group. Learn something new from each other and keep us motivated to get the unfinished knitting objects done. Please bring your own yarn and needles, but we also have limited supplies if you just want to give it a try. No need to book and refreshments are provided. westminster.gov.uk/event/saturday-knitting-meet-maida-valelibrary
On Saturday 10 August, join the celebration of world cultures in the walled garden of the Commonwealth Church, Westminster Abbey. Get a flavour of the vibrant diversity of the Commonwealth this summer through stories, crafts and incredible performances of music and dance representing traditions from across the globe. Register your place now - tickets are free! westminster-abbey.org/ abbey-events/family/2024/ august/creation-family-funcommonwealth-celebration
Hosting a community event in Westminster?
Local business with an offer to share to our readers? Send the details to the address on page 3 or to yourwestminster@ westminster.gov.uk and we’ll look to include you on our website and in a future edition of the magazine!
Join Westminster Music Library for a free, family-friendly workshop in African Drumming. No musical experience is required to take part in this fun music-making session and is designed for families with children. Children of all ages are welcome to take part, and parents/ guardians are encouraged to join in! All children must be accompanied by an adult.
eventbrite.co.uk/e/westafrican-drumming-workshop-forfamilies-tickets-695867276757
REGENT’S PARK BANDSTAND & THE BROADWALK
REGENT’S PARK BIG LUNCH 12.00 - 14.00 Organised by the Friends of Regents Park & Primrose Hill
14.00 – 14.35 Step Hop House
14.50 – 15.10 Street Dance Maypole Workshop
15.15 – 16.00 A Ceilidh Jam Workshop
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Queen’s College Brass
Rock Choir
*Symphonic Wind Orchestra of North London
Putney & Wimbledon Brass Band
(11am) Memorial Service & Buglers; The Waterloo (Rifles) Army Band
*Sid Bolan Big Band
Lewisham Concert Band
The Tilbury Band
Aveley & Newham Band
*Barnes Concert Band
Harrow Concert Band
Shepherd Brass Band (York)
Crystal Palace Band
The Games Maker Choir
*Sonnet Wind Orchestra
Mama Mia singalong at the Bandstand - Friends event 14.00 -16.30
*Swing Dance Sunday
London Youth Concert Band
Barnet Band
MOJO Big Band
KIX Jazz Orchestra
Central Band of the Royal British Legion
Grimsdyke Brass Band
Bournemouth District Concert Band
Belvedere Concert Band
Galaxy Big Band
South London Jazz Orchestra
London City Brass
Graham Pike Big Band
Legion Big band
Linden Wind Orchestra
Duke Street Big Band
With thanks to our Sponsors and Supporters
JAZZ ON THE BROADWALK
The Adam Thomas Quintet
Hannah Hutton Quintet
Fitzrovia Trio
Will Hobson Quartet
Mary Jane Jazz
Rory Mann Group
Oliver Heron Trio
Jakub Klimiuk Quartet
George Povey Trio
Manel Filgueiras & Friends
The Crooks Saxes
Rev21
KRSIX
Tom Dickson Quartet
Serious Youth Violence has devastating impacts for those involved and their local communities. We work closely with partners to take a multi-agency approach to tackling serious youth violence in the city.
There are a range of services, projects and people that work to intervene early, provide preventative education and awareness raising, engage with community members directly and indirectly affected and conduct enforcement. In 2024/25, we will be dedicating approximately £700,000 to fund activities to reduce serious youth violence. This includes £280k over two years from the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit to build upon the successful Helping Hands programme.
Financial literacy programme, focused on those vulnerable to engaging in criminal and violent activity; and Westbourne Park Family Centre’s proactive engagement with parents to equip them with knowledge on preventing youth involvement in violence and gangs.
The Helping Hands Programme has already supported 17 projects dedicated to supporting young people who have experienced both the direct and indirect impact of violence onto more promising routes. Examples of these projects include Marylebone Bangladeshi Society, that provides free football sessions in Church Street coupled with community mediation workshops; CreditWise Academy’s
For those concerned about young individuals at risk of, involved in, or affected by gang-related activity or exploitation, support is available through the council’s Integrated Gangs Unit (IGXU) at: 07971920552 integratedgangsunit@ westminster.gov.uk
You can find out more about the Helping Hands Programme at: youngwestminster.com/ helping-hands/
One notable success story is Deujean Bernard, founder of Harrow Road Soup Kitchen, whose journey from programme recipient to newly appointed community lead for the NorthWest Helping Hands Programme exemplifies the transformative impact of the Helping Hands Programme. Harrow Road Soup Kitchen is reducing food poverty, building community cohesion and collaborating
You can find out more about the council’s approach to tackling serious youth violence in the Safer Westminster Partnership Strategy 2024-27 at: westminster.gov.uk/leisurelibraries-and-community/ crime-and-communitysafety/safer-westminsterpartnership/partnershipstrategy
For those concerned about young individuals at risk of, involved in, or affected by gang-related activity
with partners to increase opportunities for young people within Westminster. Deujean says: “The Helping Hands Programme was the first funding we received as an organisation and has since then supported us in securing further funding. They have helped us by offering guidance and assisting our organisation’s development. Their support extends beyond just monetary aid, fostering a sense of empowerment and agency within our community”.
The latest funding will contribute towards the growth and stability of the programme in the Mozart, Warwick, Brindley, and Amberley Estates, while also sustaining efforts in the Church Street ward and initiating exploratory work in Pimlico North, Pimlico South and Vincent Square wards.
Our Serious Youth Violence Board also maintains regular collaboration with organisations such as the police, health partners and voluntary groups looking at a range of initiatives to preventing youth violence. We are committed to tackling violence and exploitation, supporting communities to build capacity and giving local communities a voice to help us work together to put a stop to serious youth violence.
or exploitation, support is available through the council’s Integrated Gangs Unit (IGXU) at: 07971920552 integratedgangsunit@ westminster.gov.uk
You can find out more about the Helping Hands Programme at: youngwestminster.com/ helping-hands/
In each edition of YourWestminster, we’ll bring you a guide to the hidden gems of the city. In this issue we travel around Victoria, whether you’re exploring Buckingham Palace or savouring a meal at a trendy eatery, Victoria invites you to experience the excitement and diversity of Westminster.
2 Wilton Road, SW1V 1AN
Discover the delightful charm of Little Ben, a hidden gem which has been a part of Victoria since 1892. Standing at just 20 feet tall, this miniature version of the iconic Big Ben clock tower is a whimsical nod to the city’s rich history.
17-19 Regency St, SW1P 4BY
Treat yourself to a taste of nostalgia at Regency Cafe, this charming cafe has been serving up hearty breakfasts since 1946, with its retro decor and friendly atmosphere transporting visitors back in time. Regency Cafe is a name for the stars, being featured in films such as “Layer Cake” as well as TV shows like “Sherlock” and “Doctor Who.” From traditional English breakfasts to classic pies and puddings.
Website: regencycafe.has.restaurant Telephone: 020 7821 6596
Strutton Ground, SW1P 2JT
Step into the vibrant atmosphere of Strutton Ground Market, this lively market has been a local favourite for decades, offering an eclectic array of street food stalls, artisanal crafts, and fresh produce. From mouthwatering international cuisines to homemade treats and gourmet delicacies, Strutton Ground Market is a food lover’s paradise.
12 Palace St, London SW1E 5JA
This dynamic venue offers an array of theatrical experiences, from cutting-edge new productions to innovative reimagining’s of classic shows. Whether you’re drawn to musicals, plays, cabaret, or comedy, The Other Palace Theatre has something to captivate every audience member. With its intimate setting and welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in London’s thriving theatre scene. theotherpalace.co.uk 020 7592 0302
Dean’s Yard, SW1P 3PA
No this isn’t Hogwarts, tucked away behind the historic Westminster Abbey, these hidden gardens offer a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. But you aren’t too far off the truth, these gardens did in fact feature in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2,” as well as the “The Da Vinci Code”. There must be something magical in the air! westminster-abbey.org/history/explore-our-history/ abbey-gardens
Victoria St, London SW1E 5JD
Tucked away atop the Cardinal Place shopping center, with its fragrant flowers, and panoramic views of the city skyline, the garden provides a peaceful respite from the urban chaos below. Not only does this roof garden have lush greenery but you can also grab a bite or two from Five Guys or Wagamama. createvictoria.com/welcome-our-rooftop-gardenheart-victoria
Meet the lovely Jens Jakobsen, Chief Onion of the Onion Garden. We spoke to him about his beautiful Hidden Garden in Victoria, he says: “The onion garden is a long term love of my life, it is an organic garden and environmentally you can say we never throw anything out, we try to decompose everything and use everything, we work with branches creating nests or other shapes. It’s all about getting back to nature - get your fingers deep in the soil and just work with it and feel joy. The garden is just behind Westminster City Hall and can’t be more central. There are over 150 spices here, we plant a lot of herbs and wildflowers so bees and wild insects will come here. [It is] another heaven and that is the power of nature.” theoniongarden.org
“It is about my community and helping people have opportunities which they might not think they have,” says Jane Buttigieg, nee Stevenson, one of our amazing local figures of Westminster...
Ihave lived in Westminster all my life and am the fourth generation of my family to live here. I was born in Page Street, grew up in Tachbrook and Old Pye Street, and now live in Peabody Avenue with my family. When I left school, I became the first ‘telegram girl’ in South Kensington, delivering telegrams to Margaret Thatcher, Ingrid Bergman and Christoper Reeve. I then went on to become the first postwoman in South Kensington.
“When leaving the post office, I got involved with the Pimlico Family Workshop, which was an amazing initiative for the community. You could learn several new skills and there was childcare! It had such an impact in educating young and old and so many women in top roles came from there. It was the Pimlico Family Workshop that gave me the knowledge and confidence to do all the things I have achieved so far.”
Jane has achieved so much - not just for her local community but for the whole of Westminster. She is currently the chair for Paddington Farm Trust, which is an organic farm in Glastonbury Somerset, set up in 1983 by the residents of Paddington, for Westminster families to go and engage in organic farming. Jane says:
“When I worked for the Westminster Play Service, I took over 200 children from all over Westminster to camp. It is an amazing place that Westminster has, and groups should be using it”. You can check out more about the farm at: paddingtonfarm.co.uk
She is one of the founders of the Encouragement Through Arts and Talking (ETAT) charity which was set up for isolated and lonely people. Jane says: “The inspiration behind this charity was Doctor Mary Catterall who invented the oxygen mask and who believed that people
“In
every place I have lived, I have always got involved with the community, be it sitting on residents’ committees or helping to set up events for all ages. I love getting the community together and making things happen. I sometimes wish I could just not care about what is happening but that’s not me”
have so much to offer and can learn from each other. So rather than teaching, we encourage, and have had our artwork exhibited in Tate Britain, the Mall Gallery, the National Gallery and we have the only public sculpture in St James’sx Park. Thanks to the support from Peabody we meet every Tuesday and Thursday in the Thamesbank Centre, Peabody Avenue (SW1) and everyone is welcome!” Get in contact with the team known for having no care in the world but to make her local community happy. When speaking about SouthWestFest Jane says: “I was the chair of SouthWestFest and having stepped down a few years ago I am now the life president. It’s such a great community event. In the past we’ve had a circus, boat trips, art trails, Pimlico’s got talent, singa-along a movie and our very own Pimlico Proms.”
Speaking about how sing-a-longs have helped her, Jane says, “When COVID struck we had that terrible time of isolation. One day it was my friend’s birthday, so I decided to get a megaphone and sing happy birthday
to her at her window. On the way home I sang to an elderly couple I know as they couldn’t leave their home, so I sang to them, people started to video me and post it on social media, next thing I knew I was being asked to go outside people’s parents and grandparents house to sing to them. I ended up singing from 10am until 10pm and covered all the streets and estates in and around Pimlico, I had so many people thanking me for making their elderly parents smile at such a terrible time. This led to singing at funerals as the car passed, as we were not allowed to attend. Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again never had so much airtime!”
Through all the work she does in the community, Jane is also on the Tate Britan advisory panel and was even chosen to turn on the first installation of lights. When talking about this role, she says: “Once again it is about my community and helping people have opportunities which they might not think they have.”
Jane has been involved in many campaigns regarding regeneration and housing issues, she even stood
as Jo Homeless in the 1994 Newham Northeast by-election, a campaign for housing the homeless.
She was also involved in the ‘Pimlico Millon’, which was a million pounds that was offered to a small area in Pimlico by the lottery. “Nobody wanted to touch it until they came to me, and I said yes,” she says. “I set up a group of people who were local to become trustees. This money was for ideas of what people wanted in their community. Once again, I had the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives. In my time there I supported and help set up Walking football, Pimlico community radio, gardening groups, Eid parties, outings, helping people set up new groups, websites and much more. I loved this role because it was led by the community for the community and has brought so much to the area.”
As well as being a founder, a mum, a grandparent. wife and a life president, Jane has also set up her own business ‘cave’ with her two friends a decade ago. She says: “This is a special space within the community that supports new and established artists to exhibit their work and for non-artists to also express their creative side. I have taken
over the running of this space, along with some wonderful volunteers and it once again brings joy to so many people in the community. It is a unique space in the heart of Pimlico. We have also established our gallery and workshop space where we run pottery, life drawing and creative writing workshops and welcome others to get in touch and use our space. It’s a place where you can come and meet new people and feel included and supported creatively, this is where the real ideas happen. It’s a business, but for many it feels like a community space, offering support to one another through discussions, being creative, being playful and working together. On the weekends there is a real buzz, as we encourage people to sit with others. It is not a shop to me, it is a hub for the community.”
If you’re around Pimlico or fancy a day out on the weekend, why not visit the Cave? Find out more here: cavepimlico.co.uk
Intro: Our residents’ membership scheme is free to join and offers amazing discounts and savings, including…
Get a 25% discount off Fun Maths, English and General Knowledge Puzzle Books. Word Fun for Whizz Kids, Maths Fun for Cool Kids and Revision Fun for Clever Kids are puzzle books for 9 to12 year olds which allow your child to test their wits away from the classroom. Visit the Jumping Yak website at jumpingyak.com to select your books and enter promo code CITYSAVE24 at checkout to get 25% off your order. For more details, email info@jumpingyak.com
Get free tickets for all under 21-year-olds for every performance - for every level of the theatre, from the balcony to the stalls. Plus discounted tickets are available for 21 to 35 year olds with a free Under 35’s Membership. Visit eno.org for more info.
Enjoy 25% off food, drink, and social darts at Flight Club Darts in Victoria. Whether you want to soak up the atmosphere at the bar, explore the venue for hidden surprises (look closely and you’ll see!) or relax outside in the Magic Gardens, Flight Club is a vibrant and memorable experience. You can redeem this offer with your Westminster City Save card online or on the door. Offer valid Monday to Friday, 12 midday to 6pm (up to 12 people total). Visit flightclubdarts.com to book.
Sign up for a City Save card today and start making the most of your Westminster! westminster.gov.uk/city-save 020 7641 6000
Activities and FOOD for children and young people Make the most of spring, summer and winter school holidays
Find out more and book a place by scanning the QR code below or visiting:
www.ourcity.org.uk /haf-programme
There’s lots to do in Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea during the school holidays.
Sports, music, dance, arts and crafts, and inclusive SEND activities - everyone can join the fun!
You’ll also get a healthy meal and snacks each day you attend.
There are many ways to make sure your voice is heard at the council.
We are committed to putting local people at the heart of decisionmaking. At our new consultations hub, you can comment on ongoing and upcoming projects, as well as feeding into decisionmaking on topics that interest you. Some of the current projects include…
Anyone who lives, works or studies in Westminster is now invited to pose a question in-person at an Ordinary Full Council meeting, this can be about a local issue or a wider question about the council. This is your opportunity to have your voice heard on the issues that matter to you, and to hold your council accountable. It is open to individuals as well as community organisations who want to submit a question on behalf of their group. Find out how you can get involved:
westminster.gov.uk/full-council-meetings
We are looking for Westminster residents to help us shape and improve policies and services. We are committed to actively involving residents and service users to help shape decisions and contribute to the development of services, plans and programmes alongside council officers and local councillors. By working together, we can build a more inclusive city that celebrates our diverse communities, and where residents, workers and visitors from all backgrounds will feel welcome and safe. However you want to get involved, there are many ways you can have your voice heard. Let’s shape the future of Westminster together, sign up here:
westminster.gov.uk/our-westminster
There are plenty of other ways you can get involved with your community and the council. From signing up to newsletters, to joining amenity societies, to becoming a member of our Resident Research Panel. Head over to westminster.gov. uk/our-westminster to find out more.
We are contacting all our tenants to ask for up-to-date information about you and the people you live with, including any support needs or vulnerabilities.
We will use this information to better tailor our services to meet your needs.
Please tell us about your needs by scanning the QR code or visiting: www.westminster.gov.uk/getting-to-know-you-form 0203 959 8606
Questions? Contact the Housing Care and Support team 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday
Or visit your local housing o ce for help completing the form
General Contact Details
020 7641 7000 responsewcc@westminster. gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk
Adult Education
020 7297 7297 info@waes.ac.uk www.waes.ac.uk
Adult Social Care
020 7641 1444 020 7641 1175 adultsocialcare@ westminster.gov.uk www.peoplefirstinfo.org.uk
Animal Welfare awarden@westminster.gov. uk www.westminster.gov.uk/ animal-welfare
Anti-Social Behaviour
0800 358 3783 housing.enquiries@ westminster.gov.uk www.westminster. gov.uk/housing
Archives
020 7641 6200 archives@westminster.gov. uk www.westminster.gov.uk/ archives
Benefits
0800 072 0042 westminster.benefits@ secure.capita.co.uk www.westminster.gov.uk/ benefits
Marriages (Register Office)
020 7641 7500 registeroffice@ westminster.gov.uk www.westminster.gov. uk/birth-and-deathcertificates-marriagesand-citizenship
Business Unit
020 7641 2070 businessunit@westminster. gov.uk www.businesswestminster. com
Cemeteries
020 8567 0913 parks@westminster.gov.uk
Children/Family Information Service
07971 625 922
FIS@westminster.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk/ children-and-education
Council Tax
0343 178 2743 westminstercounciltax1@ secure.capita.co.uk www.westminster.gov.uk/ council-tax
Health & Wellbeing
020 7641 7000 www.westminster.gov.uk/ health-and-social-care
Housing Services
0800 358 3783 housing.enquiries@ westminster.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk/ housing
Leisure Centres
active@westminster.gov.uk www.active.westminster.gov
Libraries
020 7361 3993
020 7641 6200 libraries@westminster.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk/ libraries
Parking
020 7823 4567 parkingservices@ westminster.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk/ parking
Pest Control
0800 358 0514 pestcontrol@westminster. gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk/ pest-control
020 7641 2000 www.westminster. gov.uk/recycling
Report It
www.westminster.gov.uk/ report-it
SEN
020 7361 3311
SEN@rbkc.gov.uk localoffer.westminster.gov. uk
Street Markets
020 7641 8549
020 7641 7010 streettradinglicensing@ westminster.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk/ markets
Westminster Connects
020 7641 1222 westminster.gov.uk/ westminster-connects
Westminster
Employment Service 07971 026709 employmentteam@ westminster.gov.uk westminster.gov.uk/wes
We want to thank all our residents for recycling their food waste – since March 2022 we have collected over 3,000 tonnes of food waste to be recycled. This is a great achievement, and we want to encourage as many residents as possible to recycle in Westminster.
Around 90% of residential properties now have access to our food waste recycling service. If you aren’t sure how to start recycling your food waste, or don’t have access to the service yet, please contact us via:
Recycling Team: foodwaste@westminster.gov.uk
Call centre: 020 7641 2000
www.westminster.gov.uk/food-waste-recycling
Remember that all food waste from chicken bones to banana skins to coffee grounds can be put in your food waste bin. If you need food waste liners, kitchen bins or outdoor bins, please do get in touch.
All the food waste we collect is recycled at an anaerobic digestion facility outside London.
Food waste generates harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Using this service will help reduce waste and tackle climate change.
Your food waste will be used to create renewable energy used to generate electricity to power the national grid and heat for homes.
Food waste will also be transformed into a biofertiliser, which will be used on farmland to grow more food.