This summer was a scorcher! – Trips, working Wimbledon, and an exciting new adventure.
This summer things really heated up, and something special happened at Regenerate and Feel Good… While everyone now gets back to a full-on schedule at work, we’re slowing down a bit and reflecting on all the exciting things that have happened across our services.
A summer of really exciting trips, funded by Wandsworth’s HAF programme
Horse riding, kayaking, bouldering, Brighton beach, and Kew Gardens, were among some of the 18 amazing trips and activities we put on for young people this summer! This also included a 4 day camping trip to Wales – a real adventure where we tried crate building, river gorging, and hiking up the beautiful but challenging Pen y Fan.
Our workshops saw us try out yoga, street art, and learn all about clothes upcycling – how to do basic stitches for mending / decorating and then getting creative to bring new life to an old t-shirt or bag.
We also had 2 volunteering days at local organisations Regenerate RISE and The Roehampton Community Box. This was an opportunity to give back to our community, connect, and gain real world work experience too.
We’re all about giving young people a safe space to try new things, build confidence and life skills, and keep them busy throughout what can sometimes feel like a long and boring time when you have nowhere else to go. This summer was a testament to that and we’re really proud of what we have been able to offer local young people, thanks to Wandsworth HAF (Holiday Activity and Food) as well.
Our first community football tournament!
Open to all young people and free for families to attend, we brought together our wider community for a day of football and friendly competition.
With the spirit of the world cup games behind us, we set up at Dover House playing fields and 8 teams played off for the Regenerate cup while their families and friends cheered them on from the sidelines! We enjoyed lunch together, and also had mini games and activities for younger children not able to take part in the tournament. Overall, the day was a big success and we’re excited to build on this new concept.
Wimbledon fever at Feel Good
We really caught Wimbledon fever this year as we set up shop on site at the championship grounds! We also had extended opening hours at our flagship Southfields site, and another cart along the path up Wimbledon Park Road, to make sure we got people their Feel Good fix before a busy day on the courts.
We’re so proud to be able to offer this valuable experience to our young people; working in a busy event environment, serving and chatting to people from all over the world, and getting to experience such a famous and momentous occasion.
The busy environment, new locations, and much earlier start times were a challenge, but all of our team members adapted so well and took this new experience in their stride. They all did amazingly, spread the Feel Good vibes to all our customers old and new, and came out feeling like if they can survive and thrive during such a busy period, then they can do anything!
“I used to be slow on running shots but now I know that when there’s a rush you just have to keep pumping. Wimbledon taught me that. Wimbledon gave me so much more confidence and helped me know what needed to be done.”
– Billy, Feel Good barista
“Wimbledon surprises me every year – we ask young people to get up for work 2-3 hours earlier than normal, and I always worry that they’ll be late or oversleep. I’m always amazed to see them clocking in early and taking on the busy queues from the second they open. The young people smash it and honestly seem to thrive so much more in this environment. As much as they might not realise it, they love to be busy and they all step up to the challenge. They make me very proud every year.”
– Bella, FG Development Manager
6 young people rode 300KM to Paris
A final well done also must go to our 6 young people who rode 300km from Feel Good Southfields to the Eiffel tower in July! This was a huge undertaking both physically and mentally, but everyone completed it and together raised £10,000. This is something they all feel incredibly proud of and really reminds us what amazingly big things seemingly small individuals can do when they come together.
Something special is in the works – we signed the lease on our new coffee shop!
It’s official, our 2nd coffee shop will be opening soon! Over the summer we tied everything up and signed the lease on a prime location near Tooting Broadway station. We’re now firing from all cylinders as a full refurbishment, recruitment, and training are in progress. We’re so excited for this new adventure, and to bring Feel Good’s mission to a brand new area.
Stay tuned for more updates and official opening date soon!
None of this would be possible without the support of our incredible community. We’re so excited for the adventures to come throughout this next quarter and are so pleased you’re here to join us for the journey!
