Dwelling Place provides temporary housing for men who would otherwise be homeless, it aims "to give the guys space to settle and start to heal”, says Project Lead Charlotte.

“I really believe that outside space and wildlife is a fundamental part to healing. I want it to be a space where the guys can unwind, connect with nature & discover another part of themselves”.

Starting From Scratch

Charlotte saw an opportunity for the men at Dwelling Place to interact with nature through the garden's rejuvenation, both through the work to get it usable again, and its maintenance thereafter. When Dan, GoodGym Basingstoke's Area Activator, first visited The Dwelling Place the garden was overgrown and unused. He knew he wanted to help, and that this is exactly the sort of task GoodGymers do best.

"When I heard what they do, I wanted to be able to assist in any way possible," says Dan.

So on 20th May, eight GoodGymers turned up alongside Dwelling Place residents and got stuck in. "The vibes were high and everyone was providing a helping hand," Dan remembers of that first session. "One group took all the ivy off a stretch of fencing, another was pulling weeds and small trees out, and a third moved a tonne of slabs to the other end of the garden. The pile of garden waste at the end was massive!".

Dan remembers this session fondly, calling it one of his favourite sessions to date. "This was when I first realised how much we could get done in one hour".

A Can-Do Attitude

Returning on 1st July, and finally 1st August, GoodGym Basingstoke helped move a delivery of sleepers and sand so Charlotte's team could start building raised flower beds, and lent a hand to Charlotte's husband, shifting a mountain of rubble. "That evening I cannot begin to tell you how hard they worked," Charlotte recalls of the 1st July. "It was really hot, and they moved about a ton of sand - and I forget how many heavy sleepers - from the front of the house, through the garage, to the back garden".

"The most incredible attribute that GoodGym brings is a can-do attitude… nothing we have asked has been too much".

Here To Help

"We would not have gotten as far as we did without the help of all the GoodGymers who came to support us," Charlotte says. "Or if we did, we would be much more tired!".

In just three visits GoodGymers have transformed The Dwelling Place gardens, finishing the first half of their garden overhaul with plans in place to return for the final touches.

The physical aspect is only one side of GoodGym however, the other being connection. Through sessions GoodGymers talk, meet community leaders, and learn about the organisations supporting people in their area. In Basingstoke, GoodGymers have been able to help the residents of Dwelling Place in other ways, sharing their local connections to which many residents have benefitted from already.

What's Next

Charlotte and her team have big plans for the second half of the garden: a new patio by the summer house, a water feature, quiet planted corners, a reseeded lawn, raised beds, a greenhouse, a bird bath, and even a bug hotel. An oasis of headspace for the residents as they get back on their feet.

"There are many worthy projects and charities in Basingstoke that could benefit from GoodGym's support," Charlotte says, "but they will always be welcome at The Dwelling Place, and considered very special people".

GoodGym Basingstoke shows no signs of slowing either, “we are going to continue making a difference like this across the community” says Dan, “we will keep contributing to Basingstoke and having a great time while doing it".