New Congleton weightloss group opens this week

A new group for those looking to lose weight in Congleton has been set up.

Due to popular demand, local weight-loss expert Laura Bounford who runs the Thursday and Friday Slimming World groups at Wellspring Church on Canal Road, is opening a brand-new 10.30am group this week.

This new third group will be Congleton's only later-morning group, to help those looking to lose weight, who are free at 10.30am on Thursdays.

The good news comes after Laura, who lost 6st 11lb with Slimming World herself, just celebrated her nine year anniversary helping our town lose weight.

"It's really important that we have Slimming World groups on lots of different days and at different times of day too, to help members, and potential new members to stay flexible around family life and work commitments," she said.

"I'm so excited to be opening this later-morning group, as I know so many people who have told me that they can't make our 9am or 9.30am classes, and this means that getting the essential help and support they deserve to succeed in their weight-loss aims simply isn't possible."

The group is set to open after the Thursday morning Slimming World group at 9am became full last week.

"Slimming World, and myself will never turn anyone away," Laura added.

She currently weighs just 12 stone. (Image - Slim with Laura B)

"After losing almost 7 stone myself following our Extra-Easy Food Optimising plan I can't imagine a week without the fun, support, motivation, inspiration and friends I've made along my journey.

"Before losing weight I felt trapped in my own body, destined to be a weight I was desperately unhappy with, and no idea how to effectively lose weight.

"A friend invited me along to join her at the group she attended, and after seeing her lose 3 stone I went along too - It was the best decision I ever made and I've never looked back. I know how lonely and down I felt, comfort eating on the daily, I was stuck in a vicious cycle and this is why I'm passionate about making sure my groups are there for anyone who is ready to make a change and learn how to lose weight without ever going hungry, and keep it off for life too!"

Congleton resident Janet Hackett recently joined one of Laura's groups.

A recent Beartown resident who joined one of Laura's groups is Janet Hackett.

The 61-year-old first joined the Friday morning Slimming World group at Wellspring Church on 18th March this year weighing in at 13st 2.5lbs.

She says "After my daughter gave birth to my second granddaughter she asked if I would go along to our local Slimming World group with her, so that week we joined the 9.30am Friday morning group at Wellspring Church in Congleton. Although going in nervously, the consultant Laura soon put me at ease. She was full of optimism and spent time taking us through the Food Optimising plan and sharing her own story too."

"Like many people, lockdown hit me hard and I piled the weight on. I chose to wear stretchy leggings and baggy t-shirts on a daily basis, and my greatest pleasure to get me through that time was cooking and eating. By Christmas 2020 I was at my heaviest for a long time and was devastated that lots of my lovely clothes no longer fitter me, were really uncomfortable or looked awful.

She has won an award in the Congleton weightloss group.

Joining a group of like-minded people has been the best part for me. Although I was nervous at first, I was welcomed with open arms by Laura, her lovely social team who help to run group, as well as all of the lovely supportive members of the group. I look forward to seeing all those friendly faces every Friday morning, sharing our journeys and ideas and coming home inspired for the following week.

"I was so surprised when the group voted me 'Women of the Year 2022', after only 6 months with them, there were many tears of happiness. I can honestly say how much I have enjoyed my time with the group so far, met some lovely people, eaten amazing food and never been hungry. I have to admit, my greatest pleasures in life are still cooking and eating, but I have found a healthier forward with people who enjoy the very same things - It's not a diet."

Slimming World was founded in 1969, and has existed in Congleton for decades.

"With 12 weeks to Christmas, now is a great opportunity to change your life," Laura concluded.

Laura has almost 1000 followers on Instagram @slimwithlaurab) (Image - Instagram slimwithlaurab)

"We all put it off until tomorrow, and there's always a reason not to start to diet - but this isn't a diet, it's making the very best use out of normal, filling, everyday foods the whole family can enjoy, with no deprivation - so you can still have that glass of wine or meal out and lose weight too.

"Come and join our warm, friendly and community oriented groups."

If you are looking to lose weight, improve you self-confidence, health & fitness simply go along to Wellspring Church, Canal Road, Congleton this Thursday October 6 at 10.30am to begin your journey as the new group launches.

Laura's groups meet at Wellspring Church, Canal Road, Congleton every;