Swapping out of this week's group sessions for some networking at the Merton Green Spaces Forum. It was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with our many "Friends Of" groups from across the borough and meet the council's new green space contractors. Between the informative Q&A session and some productive conversations, we’ve spread the word about GoodGym in Merton and added a few more valuable contacts to our request list - meaning even more outdoor missions are on the horizon for 2026.

A quick stop at Martin Way Methodist Church tonight to help the team prepare for their first night shelter of 2026. Transforming the hall into a welcoming environment, setting out bedding and arranging the space to make it as cosy as possible for the guests. A heartwarming start to the year, ensuring a warm and comfortable night for those in need.

A group of Goodgymers set out to pick up litter in their local area. I managed to forget to take a photo, so excuse the picture inside the bin!

Three GoodGymers returned to Martin Way Methodist Church on Monday to finish off a deep clean of the church's kitchen which fellow GoodGymers started last week.

The kitchen is used by the Open Table, a pay as you feel community cafe open to diners every Wednesday, and will be extra busy with the opening of a Winter Night Shelter every Tuesday night from now until March.

Seven of us made our way to an industrial estate in Mitcham on a dark and drizzly night. As ever, it was well worth it to help out the brilliant charity Critical Support. This time some of the team were sorting crates of bread, fruit and other food, while others carried out an amazing transformation to the upstairs room, categorising clothes donations, tidying and even hoovering. James was as appreciative as always and amazed by what we'd achieved in such a short time. We look forward to returning.

Several have signed up to donate to a foodbank as the task that can be done at any time and anywhere over the weekend, so this report may get added to.

Rachael was the first to knock this off the to do list with a donation at Waitrose in Raynes Park. Then Emily dropped off some tins at Aldi, whilst Jade stopped by at Merton Park Baptist church collection point for Wimbledon Foodbank. Others added donations at various other locations.