SLIMMERS from Lochore are making a ‘comeback’ as their Slimming World group re-opens, with consultant Nicola Tillier saying she’s excited to be back helping members to lose weight and improve their health in person.

The Covid-19 crisis left Nicola's group literally on their own but 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 re-open step-by-step.

And Nicola is 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 Lochore from NOW.

The Group which meets at Lochore Institute, are an enthusiastic bunch who love helping community causes and last Christmas they made a substantial donation of items to the Benarty Food Bank.

Nicola 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 they have loved attending the virtual groups they’ve missed the motivational power and accountability of meeting in person each week.”

She says the health and safety of members has been the top priority in planning the return of Slimming World groups: “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 into 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.”

Nicola said anyone who’s worrying about their weight or health – especially if they’ve put on a few extra pounds during lockdown – can be confident there will be absolutely no judgement at the Lochore 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," she said.

Due to new safety measures, all members are asked to book into a group before attending, call her on 07772551636.