Changing Lives are a brilliant charity who help support people experiencing homelessness or other challenges, so they can change their lives for the better.

Today they needed our help supporting someone with decorating their flat, as they were unable to do it themselves due to health issues. Using a paint pack from the council, and with the support of the Changing Lives staff who had everything prepped and ready, our job was to spruce up a very sad looking room into somewhere lovely (or lovelier anyway, they knew our skill level 🤣)

We arrived by bike and foot, and quickly divvied up the tasks and came up with a plan of action, while the paint was kindly poured into trays for us. Hannah and I took on the ceiling, with one always-in-the-way ladder and one not-even-slightly-attached roller on a long stick (which wibbled it's way off it's roller-holder about once a minute, much to Hannah's frustration), moving the carpet protecting rugs around as we went like a weird game of Tetris.

Leanne appointed herself bag lady, and quickly taped bin bags all around the edges of the room so that edging could begin. Meanwhile Michael started rolling the grey (which was actually a nice blue) wall paint, while Emma, Lucy and Max started edging, with roles switching as we went. Linda from Changing Lives joined us for a bit too with the edging.

In no time we were approaching the finish line, with Lucy perched like an eagle on the windowsill, Max and Michael performing the standard Tall Person role of reaching the high gaps, Hannah finishing the ceiling, and the rest of us furiously (but neatly) edging. And done! It may not have been perfect, but the room was left looking much more homely and comfortable than when we arrived, and the occupant was very happy.

We celebrated our success with a colossal and delicious lunch at the Old Greengrocer's. Lucy "Is duck and pancakes too decadent for lunch?" "No!" Before heading our separate ways in the sunshine.

23 GoodGym Yorkies ended the August Bank Holiday with a trip the City Mills independent living to help clear the weeds from their patio areas.

We started the evening by giving a very warm GG welcome toKa Man who was doing their first ever GoodGym task, as well as welcoming Olivia along to her first Group Run and Tess who was returning for just her second. Give them all a big cheer 👏

Michal was in charge of tonight's session, so Ed and Vicky could have a bit of a rest, and led the run out with trip along the city walls much to the surprise of some oncoming tourists. We shortly arrived at City Mills to be greeted by Mary, one of the residents, who explained what we would be doing. There were a few different areas that needed our attention so we promptly split into groups and made a start tacking the weeds that were growing out of the patio areas.

Whilst the majority of the team got to work in the car park, ripping out weeds and the presumably unwanted saplings that were growing, a select few lucky GGers went round to the back of the building to a beautiful terrace area that overlooked the river. Everyone got stuck in with forks, trowels and sheer strength making light work of the task. So much so that Rich had enough time to have a little sit down on an abandoned loo!

James T and his broom were in high demand to make the finishing touches to the task before we all grouped around the GG flag for the group photo before heading off for a quick spot of fitness.

Being the fell-running guru that he is, Michal had the group running up and down the notoriously steep Baile Hill to varying degrees of enthusiasm. But everyone managed to make it up and down at least once (but by Gover definition it's only a rep if you've done it twice!)

Then it was back to the Priory Centre for a bit of stretching and plenty of sweet treats courtesy of some leftovers from the camping weekend and some delicious chocolate fridge cake from Babs!

A gang of five GG Yorkies assembled on the green to help out with tidying up after the local summer fair. Victoria from the Woodthorpe York Community Group (the event organisers) briefed us on the jobs required, namely folding gazeebos and tables, before taking them to a nearby house where they are kept. We have also carried few fire extinguishers, some plastic crates and cases of bottled water. There was no litter to pick up this year and after about 40min of folding and carrying equipment we were good to go home. It may sound like an insignificant job, however Woodthorpe York Community Group are a small group and they appreciate our annual stint with tidying up after the festival. Same place and time next year.