Background-checked GoodGym volunteers help out older people with tasks they cannot complete themselves, or have no one else to help with. They travel to the older person's house on foot or by bike and help with household and garden tasks.
We can change lightbulb or smoke alarm batteries
We can support with technology
We can move furniture and other heavy household items
⚠️ Making a request for a community project? Find out more
How it works
GoodGym is a registered charity with lots of friendly members who like to keep fit and help people. We stop off on our runs, walks or rides to help people with practical tasks.
It's free
Our tasks are carried out by volunteers so you don't have to pay.
It's safe
GoodGym volunteers are background checked and trained.
It's flexible
You can choose the time and date.
Request a task
If you are part of an organisation that supports older people you request support for practical tasks.
PLEASE NOTE: We cannot accept requests from members of the public. We only accept requests if you are part of an organisation that works with older people, such as a charity (e.g. AgeUK or British Red Cross), a local council team, an NHS team, or other health, housing and social care teams.
Gardening only for safety, access, or significant impact on health or wellbeing
Food shopping, foodbank and prescription deliveries
Tasks to facilitate hospital discharge
Light bulb/smoke alarm battery changing
Face to face welfare checks
One-off dog walking
Furniture assembly, hanging curtains etc
Our Volunteers cannot do
Skilled tasks (e.g. plumbing)
Cleaning or painting indoors
Handling people’s financial or personal affairs
Caring for older people
Befriending
Any tasks for people under the age of 50
They were lovely, really helpful. It's a service I'd like to use again given the opportunity!
-- Mrs S, Southwark
The garden looks lovely. The ladies were very happy and smiley, it made me smile too.
-- Mrs A, Bristol
I cannot begin to tell you the difference your service has made to patients’ lives. Please pass on our thanks to all the volunteers who have willingly and kindly given their time, to assist healthcare staff, patients and their families.
--Mrs A, Islington
Frequently asked questions
If you have any questions please get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.
It's free - GoodGym tasks are performed by our volunteers and do not expect payment for their time.
How do I get started?
Contact missioncontrol@goodgym.org on your professional email giving your name, role and contact phone number and we can set you up to make referrals to GoodGym.
What sort of tasks are possible?
Our volunteers are not professional tradesmen, so we're not able to do certain tasks such as: advanced painting, felling trees, putting up complex furniture.