Volunteering at a GO London event is a great way to kick start a healthy lifestyle

There are a variety of GO London volunteering events you could get involved in from constructing paths to coppicing willow; from planting wildflowers in a nature reserve to painting a mural in a primary school. These activities are not only a great physical workout but you also get a feeling of mental well being knowing you are doing something worthwhile for your local community.

According to studies conducted by the School of Health and Social Care at Oxford Brookes University (1999, 2002) regular participation in this type of 'green exercise':

• produces significant improvements in cardiovascular fitness;
• benefits muscular strength leading to increase coping ability and reducing functional limitations in later life;
• encourages weightloss; and
• significantly improved participants mental health with downward trends in depression and anxiety amongst participants.

Working in a green space is a great way to relieve stress and combat depression. A GO London event gives volunteers this opportunity whilst staying inside the M25. 

Volunteers get a chance to socialise and work with new people from different backgrounds who come from all over London. Working together in a team towards common goals boosts an individual's self-esteem and helps build confidence. Having learnt new skills there is a great sense of achievement at the end of the day as volunteers can see the positive difference they have made to the local community.

You don't need any previous experience and most activities would suit all fitness levels. Unlike a gym it's free and there's no long term commitment - just sign up and come along to an event. It's just that easy.