Our 13 strong team descended upon Critical Support Mitcham to help manager Puja with the running of this great support charity.

We soon split into small groups to maximise our effectiveness. A team of 5 headed upstairs to sort clothing donations and wrap Christmas toys and games kindly donated by local businesses.

Meanwhile on the ground floor, cardboard boxes were being flattened, a large consignment of bread was sorted and repacked ready for distribution, fire extinguishers replaced and stairs dusted and cleaned.

Back in the kitchen and perishable food store, the rest of the team rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in quality checking fruit, veg and yogurt. A messy job but someone has to do it!

Finishing off with a well deserved cup of tea, we left the unit in great shape, ready to start a new day.

What a way to celebrate two whole years of GoodGym Merton! To mark our 2nd birthday this November, we doubled down on the fun with two action-packed sessions in creative spaces at Revive Wandle Roots and Little ARK heading off to enjoy a well-earned birthday drink.

It was incredible to see such a brilliant turnout and reflect on just how much our community has grown over the last two years.

Admittedly, we got so caught up in the catch-ups and celebrations that we completely forgot to snap a group photo! Luckily, John Shirley saved the day and grabbed a quick picture with a few of the team before heading off. We hope to see you back in Merton again soon, and definitely well before our next birthday!

A massive thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey so far. Cheers to two years of doing good and keeping fit, and to many more to come!

Monday’s task was a case of many hands make light work - and a little elbow grease makes for a great transformation!

We headed to the creative arts space at Merton Abbey Mills to lend a helping hand with some preparations for Little Ark's new premises in south Wimbledon. There was plenty of furniture in need of repurposing, so we rolled up our sleeves and got stuck in.

First up, there was sanding, smoothing things over and getting surfaces ready for their next chapter. Then came the priming – because every good transformation needs a decent foundation! We also got to grips with covering metal panels in colourful sticky back plastic (giving Blue Peter vibes for some of us) to make shelves So it was a case of keeping things wrapped up neatly and making sure there were no sticky situations (well, not too many!)

Bit by bit, tired furniture was getting a fresh lease of life, ready to take pride of place in Little Ark's new home. It was wonderful to see how a little teamwork, some practical skills (looking at you particularly, Chris) and enthusiasm could make such a difference.

A big thank you to everyone who came along and helped. Here's to Little Ark's new home, a fresh start for some well-loved furniture, and a future that's looking bright (pink). We nailed it!🔨