Thrive and kicking

We had a special new task location to get to last night, so after meeting in the bright sunshine we wasted no time getting on with our warm up. After getting our muscles ready for the run ahead, we went round the group and gave our predictions for the winner of the upcoming Euros. Some of us had a vested interest, having pulled countries like Slovakia and Slovenia in their own sweepstakes, but as a group our odds are on England, France, Spain and Germany. Let's see if we are right!

We took a lovely (mostly downhill!) run before getting to Battersea Park, which was full of people enjoying the beautiful weather with picnics, drinks and some excellent dogs on display.

We soon arrived at the Herb Garden in Battersea Park to meet Richard, lead gardener. This magical space is one of four Thrive gardens in the park, each of which operate community outreach programs. They offer therapeutic gardening support to hundreds of people in and around London who may have a health, social or educational need. As soon as you step into this space you can feel the calming effect it can have on well being. We were surrounded by plants all of which had health benefits, including specific beds for women and men's health, fruit and vegetables which support holistic well being, and is real hidden gem.

The ethos behind the whole garden is an approach called social and therapeutic horticulture (STH), where trained horticultural therapists work with plants and people to improve individuals' physical and psychological health, communication and thinking skills.

After a tour round the garden we each chose the job we'd like to do, including weeding, pulling up roots, watering and digging. The time passed quickly, and before we knew it the hour had come to down tools and reluctantly say our goodbyes to Richard and the beautiful garden.

The night wasn't quite over, however, as we still had time to squeeze in a core blast, featuring planks, twists, the lovely sounding dead bugs, and side planks.

There is a lot going on in the coming few days, and I'd love to see you for some more rewarding and impactful sessions! On Saturday we are doing an optional parkrun in Clapham, before coffee and cake and a short session in the GoodGym garden. Come for whatever part of it you'd like!

On Sunday we could really do with some help moving furniture at a community hub so they can get the room painted and make it welcoming space for users. This will be a nice quick but much appreciated mission on Sunday lunchtime.

Next week we have been asked by a charity in Tooting which supports adults with learning difficulties to come and do a bit of cutting back in their therapy garden. Currently it's just me on my own and I'd love some mates there too! Maybe even a quick social afterwards if the weather is good?!

There truly is something for everybody coming up, be great to make the most of summer and really make a difference too!