Community Involvement

Voluntary Action Westminster (VAW) is an independent charity that works with community and voluntary groups in the City of Westminster. They support these groups to achieve their aims and objectives; influence local government policy making; and meet to share ideas and experience. You can find out about VAW, in addition to Westminster Disability Network, Health Forums and Local Partnership Groups (see below) at www.vawcvs.org.

Westminster Disability Network aims to bring the voluntary and community sector, statutory sector, deaf and disabled people, carers and interested individuals together to improve service provision for disabled people by sharing good practice and promoting equality. For more information about the Network and its meetings, contact the Senior Community Involvement Worker at Voluntary Action Westminster.

Local Partnership Groups are health and social care planning groups focusing on the needs of different Westminster residents. They look at both local priorities and national targets for services. Members include staff from health and social care organisations, voluntary sector representatives, services user representatives and carers. The Partnership Group for Physical Disability and Sensory Needs also has a sub group called the Patient Participation Group. For more information, contact Westminster Action Network on Disability (WAND) www.wand.org.uk/about.php

WELDIS is a database which provides information on services and activities in and around Westminster for people with disabilities. 

Leisure - Westminster's leisure facilities offer sports opportunities for everyone. The disabled, unemployed or those who are senior citizens can get free access to swimming by Concession Card use.

Volunteering - Volunteer Centre Westminster has a range of services available to people who want to volunteer. www.volunteer.co.uk

Westminster Community Information Database - if you need help with a problem, if you are looking for a club or course to pursue an interest, or you are you wondering whether there is a tenants & residents association in your area, then the Community Information Database may provide you with just the information you want. It will give you access to details about a very wide range of organisations, groups, services, facilities and leisure activities, in and around Westminster.