In the heart of Westminster, a fresh and exciting initiative – the Westminster Inclusive Community Model – is set to transform local access to sports and therapy.
Sport for Confidence CIC and award-winning leisure operator Everyone Active have joined forces to roll out this innovative programme, designed to break down barriers and foster a more active, healthier community.
Sport for Confidence CIC and Everyone Active has launched a new community-focused delivery model in Westminster, London.
The model is based on a proven, successful blueprint to improve access to Occupational Therapy services and meaningful physical activity.
Building on the success of the existing leisure centre model, the partnership extends support to individuals with physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, and long-term health conditions, alongside their carers.
Robert Walker, occupational therapist and Clinical Lead at Sport for Confidence highlights the significance of this new model:
“The Westminster Community Model has been created in response to the unique challenges individuals face in accessing meaningful physical activity.
“By integrating Occupational Therapy into community settings, we are breaking down barriers and opening engagement opportunities to more people, regardless of their ability.
Everybody has a right to experience physical activity and sport, which can empower, provide meaningful choice and a sense of belonging.
Through this collaborative approach, we are seeking to build active lives and active neighbourhoods, reducing health inequalities, and creating lasting positive experiences for all residents of Westminster.”
Westminster has always been a melting pot of energy and diversity, and this new model – now reimagined as the Westminster Inclusive Community Model in our community narrative – is set to enhance the borough’s array of physical activity opportunities.
By embedding a therapeutic approach within established leisure centres, the Sport for Confidence community team, in partnership with Everyone Active, is poised to deliver sessions that not only promote physical health but also nurture overall wellbeing.
Robert adds: “The Westminster Community Model will ensure that Occupational Therapists are accessible throughout the borough, allowing more residents to benefit from expert support.
Working closely with local providers, we will help to deliver inclusive physical activity sessions tailored to the needs of diverse communities, hosted in Everyone Active managed leisure centres.
While the model has been adapted to reflect local nuances, it is based on our successful delivery model already active across Essex, where we are supporting thousands of people traditionally furthest away for physical activity, every month.
“Strengthening partnerships with Adult Social Care, NHS services, and other community organisations is key to fostering a connected approach to community wellbeing.
Participants will be provided with personalised support by ensuring activities align with their unique needs and aspirations.
To create a more welcoming and accessible environment, local coaches and leisure centre workers will receive specialised training from Sport For Confidence, helping to build capacity for inclusive opportunities across Westminster that specifically target those furthest away from physical activity.”
Not content with just offering physical activity, Sport for Confidence is also introducing the Sport for Confidence “Smiley Face” Partnership Mark.
This emblem signifies that an activity has been co-created with Sport for Confidence Occupational Therapists and coaches, serving as a quality stamp and underlining the programme’s inclusive, accessible, and person-centred focus.
“The Smiley Face symbolises partnership between Sport for Confidence and local groups dedicated to community wellbeing.
It also recognises and celebrates the commitment of local providers to making physical activity welcoming and beneficial for all.”
Local providers, community groups, and organisations are being called upon to join this movement toward a healthier, more connected Westminster.
Those interested in partnering with the Westminster Inclusive Community Model are invited to complete a short survey available here.
Rebecca Phillips, Everyone Active’s Strategic Lead – Health and Wellbeing, sums up the programme’s impact: “At Everyone Active, we’re proud to be recognised for the role we play in supporting local communities.
Extending our partnership with Sport for Confidence to deliver this new Community Model in Westminster allows us to tackle the barriers to being physically active and improves access to Occupational Therapy services.
By providing solutions to improve health and wellbeing outcomes, we can help build more resilient neighbourhoods.”
For more information about the services that Sport for Confidence delivers, please visit sportforconfidence.com.
To learn more about Everyone Active, visit everyoneactive.com.
