A mighty GoodGym trio returned to Hyson Green to help the Shifting Your Mindset volunteers serve up another delicious meal for local people. This time it was chicken, chips and coleslaw, with a vegan fishless finger option too.

Amid the crackle and spatter of the deep fat fryer and hustle and bustle of the dining room, Tom and Nigel were back on their waitering duties, taking requests as people arrived and serving up the boxes (and cleaning up the odd squash spill). Meanwhile Leah was more behind the scenes dishing up meals and washing up the trays ready for next time.

As things started to wind down, we headed out to wipe down tables, sweep the floors and stack the chairs, helping with all the little jobs it takes to leave the main room and the kitchen ready for the next users.

In fact, we were all so busy that we completely forgot to take any photos until hairnets were off and coats were on, ready to leave, hence the single selfie 😂

What better way to counter the Blue Monday sads than with a bumper two-hour task? And what better way to welcome our two new GoodGymers Steffy and Stephen?

After a quick introduction from our hosts, the regular Shifting Your Mindset volunteers, we split up to cover as many bases as possible and help the team serve the community a nice hot meal.

Hairnets and aprons donned, Rachel, Steffy, Stephen and Sehrish were in the kitchen helping to plate (or rather carton) up meaty or vegan shepherd's pies with veggies and gravy, with Tom and Nigel taking orders, topping up the squash supplies and serving dishes. Meanwhile, Tim and Leah got to hand out the desserts - a selection of muffins, donuts, biscuits and other snacks.

As things started to slow down after the initial rush, a few of the team headed out to the streets nearby to see if they could find anyone else in need of some dinner, while Leah and Nigel sampled a bit of the vegan shepherd's pie (verdict: delish!).

We were warned that things would get a bit bonkers after 8:30, and so they proved to be! It was all hands on deck to serve up the remaining portions to anyone who wanted seconds, then we were on to cleaning and putting away the massive baking dishes and pots, wiping down the surfaces and oven, and clearing away the tables and chairs.

The team would love to have us back again, and we'd love to go! We'll organise some sessions in the future, but in the meantime if you'd like to head along any Monday or Friday night, you'd be more than welcome. Just say you're with GoodGym, we're part of the family now!