Arrival On a lovely Saturday morning with the sun shining and birds chirping, the great gang of goodgymmers assembled at Perry Lodge. 5 of us were wearing our red tees waiting outside for Demie, who, whilst not wearing our 'GG-gang colours' hehe, was already inside and getting stuck in! We were welcomed by David, a resident in this assisted-living facilities who is trying to create a more vibrant community to help to reduce isolation and loneliness that has carried on after Covid and many residents found themselves out of habit to socialise. He was able to fundraise some money from the Mayor of London grant to make this happen.

Welcome to Hitesh and Demie! We had two new goodgymmers doing their first ever session, which is fantastic! Mitesh lives in Newham but is very close to this part of Redbridge and Demie lives in Ilford in Redbridge. Well done to you coming to the session and helping out - great to meet you and hopefully see you very soon again!

The task at hand: We had a huge task to help lay down paving slabs onto a layer of sand and also assemble a greenhouse. It's fair to say that as a group we might've lacked in experience as a whole but totally made up in enthusiasm and effort! We separated into two groups with Anit, Demie and julia giving a go putting down paving slabs (with help of Bruce, a resident) and with Hitesh, Peter and James figuring out the greenhouse assembly, no doubt utilising Peter's expertise! Both were huge jobs and required coordination and good hard work - this was a proper Goodgym bread and butter and so much more enjoyable as a result!

Snacks and Drinks - we were spoiled! On arrival we had drinks and cake already laid out and then pizza for lunch. We got to the task for a few hours but then did have a well deserved break to rehydrate, eat and chat! That carrot cake was divine!

Hugely rewarding: Whilst we were getting the tasks done, we also had a chance to chat to David about this initiave and his drive to help improve the living conditions in this facility that sadly suffers from low engagement from residents, which makes them isolated and some lonely so it's difficult to re-engage with others. David's plan is to create a number of events and green spaces to help provide opportunities for people to come together, get to know each other and do something as a community. It is an uphill battle for sure but David is nothing if not determined! It was so amazing to be able to help get this project off the ground (sadly finding volunteers has been a struggle before Goodgym were discovered) and make a real good start on this! Well done everyone!

Part 2 is coming no doubt as we need to finish up the greenhouse and then potentially help with food growing and social events. Watch this space!