In today’s age of dazzling lights and constant motion, the humble glow of a candle may seem too faint, too insignificant to notice. Yet, in many forgotten corners of our cities, such small lights can shine brightest, offering warmth, encouragement, and hope where they are needed most.

In line with the ongoing community efforts of GoodGym, our group received a call for cooperation from such a corner of the city. It was a place that, though overlooked, had long served as a quiet beacon for the surrounding houses. Years ago, the locals had transformed part of their neighborhood into a small green space: a table and several large planters stood there, inviting but worn, needing care and attention. Dust and erosion had left their marks, but not their spirit.

Our group arrived in three stages to restore this space. The table and planters were carefully sanded, with two planters freshly painted. The area was swept clean, giving it back its charm and freshness. While some members worked on sanding, pruning, and tidying, others collected stray items scattered around the neighborhood. The energy was high, the atmosphere warm and lively.

The day became even more special with the arrival of two new members and the long-awaited presence of Ema. Some of us had known Ema only through chats and emails, but meeting her in person added a new spark. Her kind words and cheerful presence doubled the warmth of the gathering.

Yes, in that small corner of the city, we lit a candle once again. The joy was visible not only among us but also in the smiles and gestures of the locals, some waving from their cars as they passed by. Their response was proof that even the smallest light can rekindle a sense of connection and belonging.

After completing the restoration, we shared a short reflection together and then, with a smile, visited what we jokingly named “Ema Lake.” In truth, it was no grand lake at all, just a small pond surrounded by plants, but since Ema had mentioned it a few times, the name stuck and added a lighthearted touch to the day. Standing there, laughing together, it felt like the perfect closing to a day of meaningful work, fun, and renewed friendships.

Our 'InMy Own Backyard' sessions are our members chance to nominate their own street/neighbourhood for a clean up. Our first session this year was in Wavertree, where there is a huge litter problem but a bunch of local neighbours who work hard through the year to improve the area. For this session we joined a couple of neighbours to focus on a selection of streets that nestle between two main roads and a railway line.

Splitting into three teams of two we walked the streets clearing up litter as we went, and collecting a hefty 12 bags, including all the usual items of cans, alcohol and pop bottles, fast food packaging and plies of cigarette butts that has clearly been emptied out of people's cars onto the street.

It was shocking to see how much litter there was in a few quiet residential streets, but also really inspiring to see the work the local residents are doing to make a community garden in large planters and we were treated to a tour of one of the allyways projects, with benches and community composting included!

It's easy to look at an area covered in litter and make a judgment, but if you scratch the surface and meet the people who live there, you usually find fabulous things going on!

This session was a great collaboration between the local neighbours group with Becky and Vanessa, GoodGym Liverpool and the amazing Vicky who is not only a GoodGym member, but also runs a volunteer group called Litter Clear Volunteer