In a new article for Biddulph Nub News, Slimming World's Cathy Cooper discusses how Biddulph's slimming groups have reunited after months of virtual meetings.

Slimmers from Biddulph are making a comeback as their Slimming World group reopens, with local Consultants Cathy Cooper, Di Meakin and Julia Perry excited to be back helping members to lose weight and improve their health in person.

Slimming World has been supporting members virtually in online weekly groups since March, when lockdown closed all of the organisation's community groups. Now, following the current easing of restrictions in many areas, real-life groups are beginning to reopen step-by-step.

Cathy, Di and Julia in Biddulph are putting measures in place to ensure groups comply fully with government and local guidance and that their members can return safely to their much-loved Slimming World groups.

Cathy said: "I'm delighted to finally be back together with my members! Our virtual groups have been a vital lifeline of support and I'm so, so proud of how my members have been there for each other through these difficult months and continued to lose weight and get more active.

"There's nothing quite like the magic of our real-life groups, though, and research of our members during lockdown has shown that while our members have loved attending their virtual groups they've missed the motivational power and accountability of meeting in person each week."

She also said the health and safety of members has been the team's top priority in planning the return of the group/Slimming World groups, adding: "Members will find a few things have changed in our groups to ensure that everyone feels as safe, confident and comfortable as they possibly can.

"This includes appropriate social distancing, hygiene measures and shorter sessions, which we'll be asking members to book in to before attending. What hasn't changed is the gorgeous warm welcome, feeling of togetherness and the joy of being 'in it together' week on week.

"As well as looking forward to 'that feeling' of being back together with our existing Slimming World members, we can't wait to welcome new members in Biddulph to our groups too.

"Obesity is a huge issue in the news at the moment with evidence showing that carrying extra weight makes it harder for the body to fight COVID-19, and the Government announcing brand-new plans to tackle obesity across the UK – which Slimming World are very proud be part of.

"Plus, we know many people's routines were turned upside down by lockdown and lots of us have been feeling more worried or anxious than usual, all of which can have an impact on making healthy choices."

Di, who has lost 7 stone herself, said: "I want anyone who's worrying about their weight or health – especially if they've put on a few extra pounds during lockdown – to know that there will be absolutely no judgement at a Slimming World group – just lots of understanding and a very warm welcome. At Slimming World losing weight isn't about going hungry – our eating plan is extra easy, very delicious and super generous. And moving more doesn't mean running marathons – unless you want to, of course."

Julia said: "Our groups are hubs of recipe-swapping, idea-sharing and problem-solving activity. Through our weekly sessions, you'll discover how to identify the stoppers and potential pitfalls that could send you off track – or that have maybe prevented you from reaching your weight-loss goals in the past – and learn to develop strategies to overcome them.

"The new healthy habits you'll discover will soon become habits of a lifetime, and there really is no better time to start afresh when it comes to developing new lifelong healthy habits around food and activity because, as many of the members of my groups have seen, when you lose weight you're already doing one of the very best things you can to future-proof your health."

Julia and Cathy's Slimming World groups on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings in Biddulph are open now. Di's Wednesday group opens next Wednesday 2nd September. For more information contact Di (Wednesday evening group) on 07930 834514, Julia (Thursday evening group) on 07718 365510 or Cathy (Saturday morning group) on 07938 948425.

Due to new safety measures, all members are asked to book into a group before attending.

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