Hackney
From zero (good deeds) to (TaskForce) hero
Meet Dan, the GoodGym TaskForce Member Connecting Hackney Through Good Deeds & Fitness
February 20, 2025
Featuring
Dan, from GoodGym Hackney did his first good deed in November 2023 and hasn’t looked back. Having just moved to London he wanted to do a bit of fitness, explore the area, and combining it with a good deed was an exciting “added bonus”.
Dan has since completed 102 good deeds with visits to nearly 10 other GoodGym areas, become a GoodGym TaskForce member and trained as a fitness leader too, to lead group runs. Dan wanted to be able to do more tasks in Hackney so after speaking to the other TaskForce members thought he could give finding and listing tasks a go!
We spoke to Dan to get an insight into his GoodGym journey so far.
What tasks have you organised?
I’ve listed tasks to support some great community organisations.
One of the tasks I’ve been listing supports Robin Hood Community Garden which provides a chance for people to enjoy the landscape and learn about local wildlife. I noticed it in the local area whilst out walking and got in contact with the task owner who I’ve since got to know and I list it monthly.
We recently moved rubble from a derelict site to help construct a habitat rubble - it has been really fun!
Another task I have enjoyed listing is to support Springfield Park - we’ve painted a shelter and helped create a wildflower strip!
This came through as a referral on the TaskForce dashboard which I picked up. I’ve since got to know the park manager and there are always tasks that need doing. We are also key holders, so it's very flexible.
What else have you got up to as a TaskForce member?
In addition to listing sessions I’ve also written reports after the task and taken photos.
Along with the other TaskForce members, I have helped with creating a GoodGym Hackney Instagram and Facebook to show what we are up to. We want to recruit new members and reach out to more task owners that we can support.
What do you enjoy most about TaskForce?
I enjoy learning about my area and connecting with different charities and groups.
It is rewarding to help your community and when you arrange a task and all goes to plan!
What do you get out of being TaskForce?
It is very rewarding and gives me new skills.
For example, I had never organised tasks or worked with volunteers, or other charities so it has been really interesting getting experience in this.
I have developed new skills in organising volunteer events and a knowledge of what makes a good task, which includes accessibility for all fitness levels and something that makes a positive impact in the community.
Also by becoming a fitness leader I’ve learnt how to organise a group run, plan what makes the best running routes and safely lead the group from point A to B for the task start time.
What has been your favourite session to organise?
We had a task at Robin Hood Community Garden to collect rubble from a nearby derelict site to build wildlife habitats, but didn’t have any keys and it was a Sunday so we had to improvise and dug a hole to collect the rubble - it was fun and felt like the great escape!
As well as being an avid Hackney GoodGymer, Dan recently achieved the ‘wanderer’ badge for attending a GoodGym session in seven different areas. What inspired his GoodGym travels? We found out.
Tell us more about your GoodGym tourism
I have done a lot of GoodGym tourism in London since moving here and it’s been fun to explore areas I wouldn’t otherwise go to. I often see listings which are easily reachable on a longer run, by train or bus.
It has been great to see how different tasks are organised in different areas, seeing different approaches and inspiration for tasks we can organise in Hackney.
As well as being a TaskForce member Dan also trained as a GoodGym fitness leader in September 2024. Fitness leaders contribute to a culture of inclusive fitness by leading participants in running, walking or cycling in groups to and from tasks.
What do you like most about being a GoodGym fitness leader?
My favourite thing is knowing you have made a difference - I have helped people improve their health and fitness by doing some running, but also helped them complete a good deed and support local projects too. It’s very rewarding!
Since joining GoodGym, it has been really fun organising runs with everyone and has been interesting to experiment with different routes to tasks.
What top tips can you share about finding tasks?
The best way to find a task is just to explore your local area and keep an eye out for any local projects. You might see a community garden that looks run down and in need of some support. Just contact the task owner and see if they would like GoodGymers to support - they are likely to say yes!
I have also found it helpful being in a WhatsApp group with other TaskForce members. We often create fun titles for sessions together!
Lastly - why do you think people should come along to GoodGym?
There are quite a few reasons!
Firstly - it’s a great way to get to know your local area and experience what’s going on with various charities and organisations.
Secondly - it’s a great way to socialise with people you might not otherwise meet in everyday life.
Finally - it’s a great way to keep fit, motivate others and keep yourself motivated too.
Do you have a task that you enjoy and would like to take ownership of setting up and listing for your area? Is this something you could see yourself doing - why not join the next TaskForce training, we would love to have you join us.