Undoubtedly a great group session in mid-summer, this was! With an eco-bonus, and a surprise.

Last Saturday, Stanmer Organics opened doors to the public in the beautiful outdoor space in Stanmer Park, and yesterday to the passionate volunteers of @GoodGym Brighton.

The Centre of Eco-therapy is one of 20+ small orgs of Stanmer Organics with a mission at the heart: to provide nature-based therapies to whoever needs to overcome physical, mental or long-term health conditions. In this amazing healing environment, the guests do gardening, grow vegetables, drink tea, cook and eat around an open fire. All is composted, and a return to Mother Nature is encouraged. The basic essential facilities are compost toilets, so the users live a trueful permaculture experience, within its values and ethos. There is also a new sauna garden, did you know it?!

GoodGym was asked to help to dig a pit for building a new compost toilet, with a promise of an eco-therapy experience to thank the volunteers. A challenging call for the area activator, Stefania.

Brighton GoodGym-ers keep surprising all our beneficiaries (and me) for our unconditional good heart, always prepared to do everything – and get our hands dirty! Keep moving together in the outdoors fuels our heart and fulfils us with incredible satisfaction. Burning calories (or stress 😉) while moving, just helps – that’s for sure!

This call for GoodGym’s help was a great group mission, which was worthwhile opening to all, despite the long distance that is loved by some GoodGym-ers but not a cup of tea for everybody. We managed to get all moving, who by bike (or Beryl Bike) from our meet up in Brighton, in Victoria Gardens, who by run or walk at easy pace throughout the park to gather all together in good timing, and not getting lost in the woods 😊 – we didn’t. Thanks to Ben, who was already waiting us at the task and to Richard backing up my orienteering skills.

Surprise, surprise! Our inspiring charity founder, Ivo, and Darrel from Green Runners made us a surprising visit in Brighton. Both are runners and leaders by example, but also just simple people and passionate volunteers like everybody of us in Brighton GoodGym. We are all driven by sport passions and trueful values to do good and act green for our planet . In proper GoodGym style, I would say.

There was an good turn up of GoodGym-ers at this group session of middle summer, so well organised by Liz and Bella from the Eco-therapy Centre despite the demanding setting for such big group. Digging the hard soil was a bit challenging and crowded, at times, but the outcome of our work was fab – 2 deep dip holes were created and a new ramp constructed to help disable users to access the compost toilet. 😊 Meanwhile, Ivo and Dan, with a young adult got the fire ready🔥

Our host Liz offered us an eco-therapy experience and a bowl of soup, prepared with her garden vegs and with lots of her love – such a bonus, Grazie, dear Liz! The peaceful community-feeling made me forget all about the past stressful day(s), and the luggage still to pack up before my 6am flight the day after.

We enjoyed so much our evening that we lost track of the time, but we still returned home by cycling and running with a good light in the dusk. At the end of the day I was exausted, but happy and fully satisfied. All truly content, (or so I think).

First time GoodGym-er Liam quoted: “It was a great session for my first Goodgym in over a year. I really enjoyed digging (/pick-axing/tilling) the holes and the soup and hummus hanging out in the garden after was delicious”

What’s next? Follow us to see what’s on next Meanwhile, I begin to develop some ideas for a special GoodGym group session with the Green Runners and Sanctuary Runners-Brighton. Ready to pledge for sport for development and green action? I am, follow me!

We love parkrun!

It possibly goes without saying, but parkrun really isn’t about running at all - despite it’s name - it’s really about community cohesion, wellbeing and the coming together of the community. Pretty much like Good-Gym!

We are spoilt for choice in Brighton and Hove with 5 parkruns across the city. Once a month, we meet up together and run or walk or volunteer at a different parkrun, proudly wearing our GoodGym T-shirt. Sometimes more often for spontaneous initiative of the Good Gymers in our area.

This Saturday we were parkrunning to East Brighton Park...and, some of us stayed longer to help in a community mission to restore this citypark.

Hereafter all the link to the parkrun racecourses across Brigthon & Hove:

• Preston Park: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/prestonpark/course
• Hove Promenade: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/hovepromenade/course
• Hove Park: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/brighton/course
• East Brighton Park: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/eastbrighton/course
• Bevendean Down Park: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/bevendeandown/course

Make sure you get there for the run briefing just before 9am.

New to parkrun?

Parkruns are free, weekly, community events all around the world. Saturday morning events are 5k and take place in parks and open spaces. You can run, walk or volunteer at parkruns. You can even take your dog (if you have one) along! If you have never run a parkrun before, they are a great way to get into running in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Remember, it's FREE, but you can register HERE: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/ to keep a profile (number of parkruns you do, times, etc.). GoodGym-ers in Brighton have their parkrun profile associated with the group/club: GoodGym-Brighton, and we like sharing our photos :-)

Happy parkrun-ing with GoodGym!

This past weekend, Brighton GoodGym-ers have been running or volunteering while engaging their heart with their friends Susan and Joel in Mind.

We have been running in memory of Brighton GoodGym-er and friend Susan – Susan was a regular on our group runs, and a kind and supportive friend. She loved literature, her favourite philosopher was Kierkegaard, and four times a year she would make a little nature shrine in her home to celebrate the new season. She carried a ridiculously large backpack to our GoodGym sessions (we still have no idea what was in it), cooked a mean roast dinner, and was famously good at chin-ups.

We have been taking on this challenge also in honour of another GoodGym-er and friend Joel – Joel was a vibrant, intelligent and caring person with a happy-go-lucky outlook on life, often pushing the boundaries of adventure and upfront to help the others.

On Sunday 25 February, we braved the wind to run and cheer at Brighton Half Marathon, a brilliant race organised by local charity The Sussex Beacon. Despite the horrendous headwind for the final 5K, everyone made it safely over the line…and then to the pub, where we enjoyed a well-earned roast together.

In their own words, here are a few answers from GoodGym-ers when we asked:

“What’s your Why to come out this weekend?“

“I ran to support my brilliant GoodGym friends, who lost someone special to them a couple of years ago, and to celebrate the importance of movement and fitness in keeping mind and body healthy“. Rosie

“I ran in memory of fellow Goodgym-er Susan, who was one of the people who first welcomed me to GoodGym Brighton. Delighted that we’ve managed to collectively raise 3x more than our original fundraising target for Mind! I also ran for the challenge of getting my pb under two hours“. Pippa

“While I was not personally affected, I can see what a gap Susan left in the lives of those who knew her. Working for a mental health trust I can see how much people need support.” Sarah

“I ran to beat my six-year personal best, and in memory of a wonderful person who was a big part of our lovely community.” Michael

“I wanted to just cheer on all the great effort you GoodGym good folk put it...and I love the atmosphere! Well done again :)” Edel

“My why: training run for the Brighton full marathon on 7th April. Practicing negative splits, racing strategies in real race conditions. Also happy to run with my friend Stefania and support her pace and mission. Thankyou, GoodGym!“ Colin

"I have been enjoying very much taking part in GoodGym activities, as besides keeping fit and having fun with like minded people, I'm aware it's a great opportunity to contribute to my local community and help others!" Maddy

“My why is because I like to keep fit but it's also important to me to give back to the community I live in. I joined GoodGym to make friends as I was new, and alone, when I first moved to in Brighton. Last weekend I came to support friends primarily, but also because I knew Susan well, and was affected deeply by her death“ Frannie

“I always love to keep myself moving and motivating myself to new challenges for life! Never particularly liked long-distance running, but I felt Good to run this Brighton Half with a purpose and the company of my fellow friends. As a GoodGym Area activator, I am still thrilled when I think about that last time I did a GoodGym session with Susan and when Joel proudly told me that he had joined GoodGym and signed up for a few GoodGym runs and community missions” Stefania

“This Sunday, I supported my dear friend Stefania running for GoodGym and in support of Mind honourable fundraiser for Joel & Susan who were members of Brighton Explorers and GoodGym. I remember photographing Joel and having lovely conversations, I think at a Sewage Against Sewage campaign. Such a kind soul, always smiling, despite appearing a bit distant and maybe shadowing some cloudy emotions. There was more in Joel“. Klara

“While still on the doorstep to join GoodGym parkrun in Joel’s memory, I felt I needed to say things I have never said, but I wished I had. Insights were shared. Mine will be to keep up with thriving Brighton Explorers club’s charitable mission“.

“I helped Stefania to prepare for the half marathon with some exercises to strengthen her legs and core mainly. This is what I do as a job, find a way to help people feeling better with their body! As a reflection, a good mental health is guaranteed, this is why I think exercises and physical activities are the best medicine. Well done Stefania!“ Mariangela

“Why? We believe in the power of sports to support those struggling with their mental health and by sharing our passion for sports to #DoGoodGetFit“ Stefania, GoodGym Brighton

GoodGym sessions, parkruns and races like the Brighton Half are not just great ways to challenge ourselves and support our fitness goals, but also provide an opportunity to come together and remember friends like Joel and Susan, GoodGym-ers who sadly lost their lives.

Massive thank you to everyone who supported the fundraiser for Mind.

We’re fundraising for Mind because their work supports people like Susan and Joel, providing mental health information, advocacy, and peer support. Since the pandemic, the demand for mental health services has been increasingly overwhelming, and charities like Mind are doing essential work to help keep up.

If you’d like to donate, you can still do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/brightongoodgym-halfmarathon2024?utm_term=MqPB5rDjy

B'fest is the Brighton Youth Arts Festival.

Now in its 10th year, it is run at the Brighton Youth Centre for and by young people, 13-19 years old. B’fest launches this coming Saturday 21st and will be running until the 28th of October during half term bringing together young people from across southeast to celebrate all things creative and cultural, from skateboarding to stand-up, dancing to D n D, street art, radio, music, theatre and more.

The organisation and delivery of B.fest is supported by a team of volunteers. GoodGym Brighton responded with enthusiasm to their call for extra help to get all well set-up in time for the coming up festival, soon approaching!

It was our first visit at the Brighton Youth Centre, and WE LOVE IT!

We loved the venue, slightly disorientating and to be rebuilt soon, but so shiny in all its colours and colourful offering for everybody who is or feels young (like we do 😊), including football, basketball, music production, cookery, archery, table tennis, dance sessions and an indoor skatepark at the top floor!

We loved the volunteering tasks offered by Charlotte, B’fest producer, keeping us moving and in full action for an hour or so, by moving and stacking chairs, tables, dismantling furniture and clearing all throughout to create a more open and creative space to host lots of workshops during the festival.

And, of course, we love the B’fest programme. We will be back again next week!

Sign in here for our next Tuesday’s group session on 24th October

There are also more B'fest volunteering opportunities during this and next week, via the BYC sign up B'Fest Volunteers Form