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.

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!🔨

Tonight was a magical session - with no sign of gardening or cleaning in sight, we descended upon the Enchanted Autumnfest to support the bright sparks at That Event Works CIC!

After a quick stop by the wellbeing tent, we shone a light on wayfinding duties and kept a squash-buckling guard over the pumpkin patch 🎃.

We promise we took our duties grave-ly seriously, but with so much creativity along the route, it was impossible not to be bewitched as we guided visitors through. 🌟

At the end of our shift, we reconvened under a spooky tree to leaf all work behind and celebrate Rachael reaching her 100th good deed! 🎉 An un-boo-lievable achievement and a great excuse to mul-led the evening over with a warm cup of wine!

11 GoodGymers gathered at Mostyn Garden for an after-dark outdoor session to help maintain the garden’s tranquil environment. With darkness setting in, the team worked under torchlight to clear overgrown weeds along the paths and throughout the garden area. Thanks to the team's hard work, the paths and garden surroundings are now neat, tidy, and ready for the season ahead; keeping the darkness at bay!

Forget the classic jazz song "What a difference a DAY made" - our 16 strong team of Goodgymers did the same in just 1 HOUR!

I can only imagine the startled look on the faces of Mitcham's Citizens Advice Bureau employees as they return to work in the morning to find their garden has been transformed from near jungle to a beautiful clean and tidy oasis in which they can enjoy their lunch breaks.

Everyone got stuck in from the word go and the result was plain to see. We also tackled the front clearing weeds, litter and sweeping leaves.

A huge welcome to Sophie and Laura - congratulations on your first GoodGym session, hopefully see you again soon!

Next week we are at Martin Way Methodist church community garden and it's likely there will be some outdoor jobs 😉. There's also a group run beforehand so sign up here if you are joining us.