Congleton Slimming World Consultant Laura Bounford and her group continue to raise awareness around weight and health during National Men's Health Week.

They are speaking out to help reach other men in our community who are looking to make a change to their health, wellbeing, body image and/or mental health.

Laura says: "Culturally, men often see losing weight as a more feminine thing - but that couldn't be a bigger myth today.

"We live in a modern forward-thinking world, and we know that men who carry excess weight can face a reduced life expectancy by up to eight years compared to six years for women.

"I'd love to introduce you all to our Ian, a cheeky chappy who definitely brings a lot of banter to our group. He never fails to put a smile on our faces."

In June 2010, Ian Pickford was suffering. His right knee was causing him a lot of pain on a daily basis.

At the time, he was the musical director for Congleton Musical Theatre and the rehearsals were held at Daneside Theatre.

The rehearsal room was at the top of the building, which required him to climb two fairly lengthy flights of stairs.

Unfortunately, twice-weekly rehearsals were not a pleasure for Ian to reach, however the leading lady was a source of great inspiration to Ian at a time in need.

During one particular run of rehearsals this particular lady had lost weight really well and looked "a million dollars" Ian describes.

He asked her if she could give him some tips and what diet she was following. Her reply was simple "Oh, I've signed up with Slimming World" he recalls.

Ian adds: "The very next day I went back to a shop in the Hightown part of Congleton by the train station where I remembered seeing a Slimming World poster.

"I rang the number and that same day went to my local group, then based at Mossley Village Hall, where I was met and warmly greeted and guided to meet the consultant.

"After the class had ended, I was invited to weigh myself, a fate I was not really looking forward to.

"They told me I was 14st 12.5lb. I was shocked. The consultant asked me what I would like to weigh. My angry reply? 12 stone. Upon the return to my car parked outside, I had a moment or two to reflect.

"The conversation with myself went something like this 'you bloody fool, you haven't been 12 stone since you were at school, age 17 or 18'. I was 61 on that day, 16th June 2010."

Slimming World's unique approach encourages every individual to choose their own personal achievement target.

Not one single person is told what he or she should achieve, as long as they'd like to lose at least 7lb they are able to join, and the choice power is put right back with the slimmer.

Ian, like every member is asked what they would love to weigh. Some know and some don't - both are okay. Some have an exact number, their 'dream' if you like.

Whilst others would prefer to set smaller interim targets at intervals which is another option too.

If any member would like an additional guidance on their ideal weight, there is information to help them within their Slimming World Member Pack, which all members received on day one of joining, so there really is an option to suit everyone.

Ian has now been a member intervening ever since that day and has enjoyed his journey learning about which foods are beneficial and which ones aren't.

He has been a member with several different groups and consultants over the years and found that the flexibility of being able to switch days, times and locations suited him and his working life really well.

He adds: "As a member of the Slimming World family over the years, I've needed to change days and times to suit around my work schedule which has been so convenient.

"Whichever group I've attended I've always been made to feel welcome and a Slimming World quote I'll never forget is 'You'll find no strangers here, only friends you haven't met yet' and it is very true.

"I reached my target in 2011 - yes, that very same target I was convinced I could never achieve.

"This last 14 months has been tough for us all. Regardless of what the pandemic has meant for us Laura has continued to support us on a weekly basis, no matter what.

"She's been there to encourage us and provide that very same service we've come to know and love, just virtually using Zoom. As we approach something akin to normality, I know we will continue our forward-focus together in our real-life physical groups and it feels great to be back together safely.

"Slimming World has benefitted me health-wise, waved goodbye to my previous knee pain, been educating and fun too.

"I've met some wonderful people who are on a similar journey to me, who otherwise I'd never be in touch with."

Ian's group meets every Thursday at Astbury Village Hall in Congleton at 10am. Laura also currently holds groups at 9am, 11am, 6pm and 7pm.

New and returning members are all welcome to pre-book their place and join at 11am or 7pm each week.

Simply text, call or WhatsApp Laura on 07595 535816 for an informal chat, for offers or to book yourself a place.