New Westminster service helps more residents get active and improve wellbeing
Westminster residents living with long-term health conditions, disabilities, poor mental health, loneliness or major life changes can now access personalised support through SfC Connect, a new occupational therapy-led assessment service designed to help people overcome barriers to participation and connect with the activities, relationships and opportunities that matter most to them. Delivered by Sport for Confidence […]
Sport for Confidence
Westminster residents living with long-term health conditions, disabilities, poor mental health, loneliness or major life changes can now access personalised support through SfC Connect, a new occupational therapy-led assessment service designed to help people overcome barriers to participation and connect with the activities, relationships and opportunities that matter most to them.
Delivered by Sport for Confidence CIC in partnership with Everyone Active and supported by Active Westminster and Westminster City Council, SfC Connect is an early help and prevention service that takes a personalised approach, helping residents overcome barriers to participation and reconnect with activities, community resources and opportunities that matter most to them.
Rather than focusing solely on increasing physical activity, specialist Sport for Confidence Occupational Therapists complete a holistic assessment to understand each person’s strengths, goals and aspirations, as well as any barriers they face. A personalised participation plan is then developed collaboratively with the individual that supports long-term wellbeing, independence and meaningful participation in everyday life and the local community.
Robert Walker, Operational Lead and Senior Occupational Therapist, Sport for Confidence, says: “Many people want to be more active but face barriers that aren’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s confidence, sometimes anxiety, a health condition or simply not knowing where to start.
“Occupational Therapists play a central role, using holistic and occupation-focused assessment, applying personalised approaches and reasonable adjustments, and working collaboratively with community partners. Our focus is not simply on increasing activity levels; it is about enabling people to experience meaningful choice, trusted relationships and long-term participation in the activities and communities that matter most to them.”
The service will be based in local leisure centres, making it easier for residents to access support in welcoming community spaces close to home.
“Our leisure centres are for everyone, but we know that some people need a little extra support to feel comfortable walking through the door,” says Nicole Fox, Contract Health, Activity and Wellbeing Manager, Everyone Active. “This new service will help more Westminster residents discover activities they enjoy, meet new people and feel more connected to their local community.”
Max Goodchild, Relationship Manager, Physical Activity, Active Westminster, concludes: “We want every Westminster resident to have the opportunity to enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits of being active, whatever their circumstances. The SfC Connect has been created to help address health inequalities across Westminster by supporting people who often face the biggest barriers to being active and taking part in community life.”
The new service will operate from Moberly Sports Centre, Little Venice Sports Centre and Queen Mother Sports Centre, all managed by leading leisure management company, Everyone Active.
Councillor Robert Rigby, Westminster City Council, concludes: “This is exactly the kind of practical, resident-focused service we want to see more of in Westminster – one that meets people where they are and helps them overcome the everyday barriers that stop them getting involved in their community. Civic pride starts with residents feeling connected, supported and able to take part in local life, and SfC Connect will help more people across Westminster do just that, whatever their circumstances.”
Referrals are being accepted now ahead of the service launching in August 2026. Self-referrals are accepted alongside referrals from professionals and partner organisations.
To make a Referral, either for yourself or for someone you care for, please head here.
Watch the video below to find out more about our Connect service, or click on these links :
