Goodgym joined a flotilla of Barnet's volunteer organisations to promote opportunities for participation to around 140 asylum seekers and refugees.

Ukrainian, Palestinian, Middle Eastern and people from many African countries represented the many lovely, lively communities that gathered at Hendon Leisure Centre, as well as interpreters to help those with limited English. The event was organised by Barnet Together, which supports volunteering in the borough.

Goodgymmers come from all walks of life, and the same is true of the people who I connected with. I met people of all ages, backgrounds and professions, with different fitness goals and interests - weightlifters, runners, cyclists and martial artists. I ended up playing badminton with a man I think was Afghani, and then backgammon with an Iranian gentleman of advanced years. (He beat me on the last throw with a double-six!)

Many of the attendees barely have spare money for bus travel, so finding ways for Goodgym to connect with them safely is a challenge. Some are based in hotels across Barnet, so I talked with some of the other organisations about the possibility of us visiting them to lead group walks and runs for fitness and maybe to clean up nearby green spaces, to help people feel more connected to where they live and more confident about getting around.