This week, GoodGym Swindon were Haven-sent to help tidy up the outdoor space for service users.

The Swindon Night Shelter have operated the Haven Day Centre for a few years now and we've seen it really change as we've supported them. From the shell of a school, to an impressive, functioning homeless shelter with great temporary accommodation for over winter, a lovely outdoor space with veg patch, alongside the main day centre building.

We met Ian from the Night Shelter on a familiar Tuesday evening, and were led by TaskForce member Sam. The task? A classic GoodGym muscle builder! Clear a large pile of wood that a diligent guest had chopped down from around the facility, break it down, and transfer into bags for a future tip trip.

To make sure we were socially distanced, we split into two groups. Tracey, Teresa, Adam and Sam got hacking, while Gina and Jason whacked the weeds around the veg patches. Ian and I then flitted between the two groups, helping out as needed.

This was a great chatty task. We caught up while we weeded and hacked. Conversations ranged from how pleased we were to be coming out of lockdown and meeting in careful groups again. We also talked new jobs and changing work patterns alongside when first pub pints or haircuts were planned, all the while trimming down the twigs.

As the evening rolled on without any sitar, the pile dropped down, and the birds flew around to see our handiwork and eye up any beetles.

Check out in the pictures how close one robin got to us to say hello neigh-bird!

We did a great job of heaving and snapping to fill several big bags of weeds and wood, then said our goodbyes to cycle or run our ways home. By the end of the evening, we were successfully halfway down the pile, so we may soon be back to finish things off!

What's coming up soon at GoodGym Swindon? * Next Tuesday 20th, we're tidying up the Woodland Walk at Bridlewood Primary School. * Weekend of 24th/25th April, we're doing a Swindon Virtual parkrun takeover! More details over the WhatsApp group soon * Following Tuesday 27th April, we're litter picking at Lydiard Park - spaces still available if you want to be involved!