‘It’s never too late’: Wordsley woman launches group after weight-loss journey

A Wordsley woman who reached her target weight twice after years of struggling with her weight is now using her own experience to help others.

Julie has launched a new Slimming World group at Wordsley Community Centre, where she hopes to offer people the same support and encouragement that helped her transform her own life.

Her journey began in September 2019 after seeing a photograph of herself at a family wedding.

“I felt frumpy and knew something had to change,” she said.

Encouraged by her mum, who was already attending Slimming World, Julie joined her local group and went on to lose more than two stone and reach her target weight.

Along the way, she discovered not only a supportive community but friendships which became an important part of her journey.

The support continued during lockdown and helped Julie stay on track. When she later regained some weight after starting a new job, she refused to give up.

She returned to her local group in April 2022 and reached her target weight for a second time in September that year.

Julie has maintained her achievement ever since and now holds both Target Member and Diamond Target Member status.

She hopes her own experiences will help reassure others that setbacks do not have to mean giving up.

“I know what it feels like to struggle, to lose weight, to put some back on and to start again,” she said.

“I want people to know that it’s never too late to have another go. I want everyone who comes through my doors to feel welcomed, supported and never alone.”

The new group welcomes new and returning members and offers weekly support, guidance, recipe inspiration and a friendly, non-judgemental environment.

The group meets every Monday at Wordsley Community Centre, Wordsley Green, at either 5.30pm or 7pm.

For Julie, the group is about more than weight loss. She hopes to help people believe they can make positive changes in their lives.