To the latest edition of Westminster Plus magazine, bringing you news, events and activities from across Westminster.
Since the last Issue the clocks have changed and the lighter evenings are here, Westminster is set to be the stage once again for a fantastic spring and summer in the capital with the exciting annual events of Notting Hill Carnival and West End Live happening very soon.
In this issue we visit the Westminster Archives, a treasure trove of interesting information and a must visit for local historians – page 4. You can also read about our discovery session with Sue Kaye, a Westminster resident highlighting the struggles of those who are digitally excluded – page 6
For what’s on turn to page 10 and for City Save offers, see page 18
We’d like to wish you all a fantastic spring and summer with plenty of community spirit, laughter and fun.
Adult Social Care, Public Health and Voluntary Sector and Lead Member SEN and Learning Disabilities Champion
We are always looking for community groups to visit and share your stories and activities with the wider community, get in touch to share your by writing to us at:
Westminster Plus 17th Floor Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP
westminsterplus@westminster.gov.uk
020 7641 6000
Councillor Butler-Thalassis Cabinet Member for
Councillor Southern Older Persons Champion
£2.6M INVESTMENT PACKAGE
FOR ADULT SOCIAL CARE
Major new investment is going into cushioning the cost of adult social care – meaning hundreds of service users will now not pay for care, while hard-working care assistants will earn more.
Approved at a meeting of the Full Council on Wednesday 5 March, additional funding for adult social care includes £1.4m to increase the pay of the personal care assistants (over 400 staff) who provide care for Westminster residents through direct payments.
This will improve the quality of care for care receivers and help more people who use adult social care to employ the carer they want as they will now be able to pay a competitive salary.
SPORTS CENTER UPGRADE!
The Queen Mother Sports Centre in Victoria has received a £370k boost. Accessibility has been at the heart of this upgrade, with a newly refurbished poolside changing area to make it easier for those with mobility issues to enjoy the water, and an award-winning Changing Places toilet facility.
HOUSING INSPECTION GETS TOP MARKS!
The Regulator of Social Housing has confirmed that Westminster City Council has achieved a C1 rating following an inspection of our housing services. This is the highest possible rating, indicating that we meet the consumer standards set by the regulator and effectively address and resolve problems when they are identified.
We are the first Local Authority in London to achieve this rating to date.
The inspection involved a detailed review of documents, an on-site inspection and attendance at resident engagement meetings. The regulator also met with staff and residents to better understand their experiences.
“We welcome the findings from the Regulator of Social Housing, which demonstrates the significant progress we’ve made in improving our housing services over recent years,” said Councillor Liza Begum, Cabinet Member for Housing Services “We’re committed to listening to residents and acting on their feedback to ensure all our tenants have a safe, secure and well-maintained home.”
COST
OF LIVING SUPPORT HUB
The cost of living crisis is affecting us all. Rising costs, such as fuel, energy bills and food is having an impact. We have a support hub online for Westminster residents: westminster.gov. uk/cost-of-livingsupport
020 7641 6000
BEING DIGITALLY EXCLUDED
In this fast-paced digital world, where everything feels tech-based and telephone directories are a thing of the past, it can be all-too easy to overlook those that aren’t (or can’t be) online
Sue is a Westminster resident who describes herself as digitally excluded. Five years ago, she experienced some health problems relating to her eyesight which made it impossible for her to use a computer anymore.
During the pandemic, online access became the primary way to stay updated, book events, manage finances and more. Meanwhile, offline access became much less available, which posed a serious problem for people such as Sue – leading to increased isolation and negatively impacting their everyday life, confidence and well-being.
PUSHING FOR CHANGE
Sue has been vocal and proactive in advocating for
change, urging companies to include telephone numbers alongside online contact details. She has collaborated with AgeUK to provide insight for their Mind the Digital Gap campaign and has been interviewed on the issue by the Times, the Telegraph, the Daily Mirror, and Channel 4 News.
She remains steadfast in highlighting the importance of proactive efforts for causes that directly impact her daily life.
WHAT CAN BE DONE
Sue is far from being alone in feeling excluded from many aspects of modern life, but she has advice to offer others that routinely face similar issues:
n ”Contact AgeUK – it can offer advice on the Equality Act 2010 as well as inform you of the many in-person social events it hosts every week right here in Westminster.”
n “Talk to others about the challenges you’re facing – someone may have a solution based on their own experiences. By sharing insights and solutions, we can support one another, as shared experiences go a long way in helping people overcome difficulties.”
If you are feeling digitally excluded and would like to seek some advice and guidance, contact Age UK Westminster: 020 3004 5610
n 2.3 million people aged 65+ do not use the internet – that’s 1 in 5 people in this age group. n Around 3.3 million people aged 65 and over in the UK don’t use a smartphone and 900,000 people of the same age don’t use any sort of mobile phone.
Source: AgeUK, March 2024
“MY LIFE IS BECOMING SQUEEZED INTO SMALLER AND SMALLER AREAS. MANY THINGS ARE ‘ONLINE ONLY’ AND I FIND LITTLE SYMPATHY OR UNDERSTANDING OF MY DIFFICULTIES” – SUE
BE SCAM AWARE
As technology advances, so do the tactics of scammers. It’s important to make sure you stay informed and keep one step ahead...
Fraudsters are increasingly using sophisticated techniques to trick people into giving away their money and personal details. By staying informed, you can protect yourself and reduce your chances from falling victim to scams both online and in person.
DIGITAL SCAMS
KEEP YOUR COMPUTER AND PHONE SECURE
Use strong, unique passwords for different accounts and enable twostep verification when possible. Keep your devices updated with the latest security software, and
TIPS TO CREATE A STRONG PASSWORD
1. Do not use your name or a family member’s name or date/place of birth.
2. Use a mix of lower case and capital letters, numbers and special characters, for example: hAzl3k!2f8*qL.
3. Do not use the same password for multiple websites.
4. Try to avoid using words or phrases that relate to you such as your place of birth or pet names.
5. Change your passwords regularly.
6. Always remember to logout when you have finished.
consider using a reputable antivirus program. If you receive a suspicious message saying your computer has a virus, don’t call any numbers provided – this is often a scam.
CHECK WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST
If you receive an unexpected request for money or personal
information, speak with a family member or trusted friend before taking action. Sometimes, a second opinion can help you spot a potential scam.
HOW TO SPOT A SCAM EMAIL
Scam emails can look genuine and appear to be from a legitimate business such as a bank, but you
WHAT’S ON
TEQUILA PARTY WITH THE EMBASSY OF MEXICO
BOOKING REQUIRED
LIMITED SPACES
The Ambassador of Mexico to the United Kingdom, H.E. Josefa González Blanco, is delighted to host this special Silver Sunday event to celebrate the elderly community with an afternoon of great company, music, and fun.
The Tequila Party will feature a guided tequila tasting session led by a professional team, along with nibbles, drinks and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Friday 9 May, from 12pm to 3pm Limited spaces, RSVPs are on a first-come, first-served basis. RSVP by 30 April. asistentegbr@sre.gob.mx 020 7907 9461
48 Belgrave Square, SW1X 8QR www.gob.mx/sre
IT GROUP SESSIONS
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
Would you like to improve your IT skills? Come along If you are looking for basic computer skills. One of our volunteers will sit next to you and help you to go through the problems you might encounter when using a computer.
St John’s Wood Library, 20 Circus Road, NW8 6PD www.westminster.gov.uk/libraries
FEEL BETTER WITH YOGA
BOOKING REQUIRED
Weekly recurring yoga sessions for adults, run by a qualified teacher. Sessions are suitable for all levels. Mayfair sessions are donation only. Mats provided. Every class will contain elements of a rounded yoga practice:
n Physical postures – to strengthen and tone the body and increase mobility.
n Meditation – introduction to Buddhist mindfulness practices.
n Breathwork – simple breathing practices to boost mood and balance the nervous system.
n Relaxation – can you believe we have to learn that? But we do!
To register to attend contact the library: Tuesdays, 5.45pm to 6.45pm Mayfair Library, 25 South Audley Street, W1K 2PB. This library does not have wheelchair access. 020 7641 6200
Free live music every Wednesday at lunchtime. Concerts include instrumental and voice recitals, chamber music and jazz. No need to book – just turn up! Wednesdays, 12.30pm to 1.15pm Westminster Music Library, 35 St Martin’s Street, WC2H 7HP. There is no step-free access to this library.
Pimlico Library is home to a Library of Things, a community of people sharing items and skills to save money, make repairs and cut down on wasteful one-time purchases. Sign up to start renting everything from carpet cleaners, to drills and more, all from the lockers inside Pimlico Library.
How borrowing works:
1. Join and start learning
Get project inspiration, learn DIY skills or discover planet-friendly ways to find items.
2. Reserve and rent
Reserve the thing you need online. Visit the self-service lockers inside the library to collect your item. Use our online guides if you need a hand at home.
3. Return and share
Complete your project and return your item clean, ready for another neighbour to rent right after you!
Pimlico Library, Lupus Street, Pimlico, SW1V 3AT. There is no step-free access to this library.
For more events, visit: www.westminster.gov.uk/events
The next scheduled elections in Westminster are local elections on 7 May 2026
If you are not already registered to vote you can register at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
You can also apply for a postal vote at www.gov.uk/applypostal-vote
If you need assistance to register to vote in Westminster, contact Electoral Services on 020 7641 2730
URBAN GARDENING
Tomatoes, potatoes and dahlias are just some of the popular balcony and small garden produce grown in urban areas
You can grow almost any type of plant in a container, including vegetables and even small trees. These are simple and satisfying ways to brighten up an outdoor space. Plus, caring for plants benefits our wellbeing too.
GETTING STARTED
Choose containers that have drainage holes in the bottom. If growing vegetables such as potatoes, sacks are a good cost-effective alternative to a container. Tomatoes and strawberries can both be grown in hanging baskets!
BEST TRAILING PLANTS FOR HANGING BASKETS
n Lobelia – comes in a range of colours, including white, purple, pink and blue.
n Fuchia – choose a trailing variety.
n Begonia – prefers a shady spot.
n Ivy – a trailing evergreen that is hardy and will last all year round.
BEST FLOWERS FOR POTS
n Marigolds – Perfect for big bursts of colour.
n Blueberries – Flowers in spring and provide fruit in summer.
n Hydrangea – Some varieties thrive in partial shade.
n Dahlia – Show-stopping summer flowers.
Share your summer plants with us by sending a photo and let us know where in the city you are and what you’ve been growing.
westminsterplus@ westminster.gov.uk
Westminster Plus, City Hall, 17th Floor, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP
BEST HERBS TO GROW ON YOUR WINDOWSILL Mint, basil, parsley and thyme. If your space or windowsill doesn’t get a lot of sun, try growing sage and chives, both of which can grow in partial light.
50% OFF FULL PRICE TICKETS AT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS’ GALLERY
Explore the best of photography with must-see exhibitions, inspiring events and workshops.
Online tickets: usual full price £8.50 (£4.25 with your City Save discount). Your ticket covers admission to all exhibitions on the day you visit.
How to Claim: Show your City Save card at the ticket desk at the Gallery when you visit or use the code WCS online to claim 50% off full price exhibition tickets www.thephotographersgallery.org.uk info@tpg.org.uk 020 7087 9300
25% OFF BOUQUETS AT APPLEYARD LONDON
Online only offer Order a stunning flower bouquet as a heartfelt gift or a charming touch for your own home.
How to claim: Order through the Appleyard website and enter discount code AWEST25 at the checkout. The code is available for multiple use.
Westminster City Save is a membership scheme for Westminster residents. It’s free to join and offers local discounts and savings.
Discover all offers available: westminster.gov.uk/westminster-city-save
DISCOUNTED ADMISSION TO WESTMINSTER ABBEY – SAVE £22!
The Abbey is a place that's touched the lives of kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers, poets, priests, heroes and villains since 960AD Discounted entry of £8 to the Abbey for Westminster City Save card holders, usually £30 How to claim: Offer is available in person, on the day only. Online booking is not available with this offer.
Simply present your Westminster City Save card and proof of address on entry.
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 3.30pm (last entry); Saturday, 9am to 3pm (last entry) 20 Dean’s Yard, Westminster, SW1P 3PA www.westminster-abbey.org visitor.experience@westminster-abbey.org 020 7222 5152
DON’T HAVE A WESTMINSTER CITY SAVE CARD?
Register for one at: westminster.gov.uk/westminster-city-save citysave@westminster.gov.uk 020 7641 6000
