We celebrate the diverse cultures in Westminster and help people engage with their community.

The Abbey Centre is a space for everyone. We celebrate the diverse cultures represented in South Westminster, from life-long residents to more recent arrivals from around the world. We bring people together and help marginalised people feel more connected: to other people and to the wider community. The Abbey Centre hosts activities that appeal to distinct groups, plus other activities where people can mix and meet new friends.

South Westminster is a truly diverse and vibrant community of around 40,000 people. There are 150 languages spoken in local schools and a wide spectrum of religious belief including Baha'i, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Zoroastrian and Christian denominations. The Abbey Centre is at the heart of these communities of people, and we endeavour to help everyone feel an important part of the community.

Take a look at the current clubs and classes on offer in our Activities Programme.

Something for everyone

Every week we offer over 35 classes, groups and clubs, plus many one-off annual activities for people with varied interests and needs. 

Older people

The Abbey Centre gives older people a warm and welcoming place to come spend time with friends, develop new friendships and stay healthy and active. Many activities are dedicated to older people including the Monday Club, bingo, walking club, bowls and Tai Chi. Keep an eye out for our seasonal events and outings too.

Children and young adults

The Abbey Centre offers Children's Yoga and Music and Movement for toddlers, school work experience placements, intergenerational projects and supplementary schools.

Women

Some of our fitness and Pilates classes are for women only, so women can feel comfortable and make new friends whilst getting fit and keeping active. 

Mobility or disability

The Abbey Centre prides itself on being the only fully accessible community venue in South Westminster. The Centre hosts three local groups specifically for people with disabilities: GLAD (Greater London Action on Disability) and PHAB (Physcially Handicapped Able Bodied) who meet every other Monday evening. PIP (Pursuing Independent Paths) SW1 works with local residents with learning disabilities.

Spanish speakers (or those who want to learn Spanish)

The Abbey Centre offers a Spanish class for Adults, a Spanish/Portuguese Speakers Older People's Club and Tierra Theatre workshops, taught in Spanish.

Russian/Ukranian community

We offer Cossack Dance for everyone, though it may have particular appeal for people from the Russian/Ukranian community.

Arabic speakers

On Saturdays, the An-Najaat Arabic Music and Language School meets at The Abbey Centre