A litter bit mossy

Four of us made our weekly Wednesday visit to St George's Church and the Antz Kidz Activity Centre to assist them with a gardening task.

Since lockdown restrictions eased a month ago, it's been a great re-leaf to return to one of our favourite task owners to help them maintain the outdoor area of their brand-new Britwell site. It was also lovely to see the OG GoodGymers Chrissy and Ruth, who were able to take some time away from looking after their little ones to help out again. They have been missed and it was a lovely reunion for us all!

These outdoor missions also feel particularly poignant this week as it is Mental Health Awareness Week; and the campaign's theme is all about the benefits to our wellbeing when it comes to being outside and connecting with nature.

During the mission, which involved continuing to de-moss the paving area and sweeping up the litter and leaves that had accumulated, we each expressed how getting outside has been so important for us during the pandemic. We have all been going for walks and runs individually, as well as taking part in gardening and park litter picks with GoodGym. All these tasks have helped us stay productive and moving our muscles, allowed us some much needed social interaction, while helping our community at the same time. It has been so therapeutic and good for the soul, especially at this time.

A special mention must also go out to the snail (who I named Gary) Manjit accidentally squashed the previous week at the mission. She messaged me ahead of this task, still distraught by the incident and warned us to look out for the little creatures while we were there. Our thoughts are with the snail community during this time!