“We’ve hit the jackpot” – North Prospect slimming group crowned best in the UK

A slimming group in Plymouth has beaten off competition from 18,000 others across the UK to win Slimming World’s coveted Group of the Year 2018 title.

The North Prospect group, who meet every Thursday at the Beacon Community Hub, have lost a phenomenal 400st between them since January this year and were awarded the title of Slimming World’s Group of the Year 2018 at the annual Slimming World Awards held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.

Collecting the award was Consultant Sarah Daniels, who has been running the North Prospect group for five years and has lost more than 10st as a member herself. Sarah, 37, runs four groups every Thursday at 9.30am, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm, and welcomes around 275 members each week.

The senior management team at Slimming World selected the winner based on the group's quality in a number of key areas including weight-loss success, vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, success from the first week, close friendships and the Consultants’ ability to encourage and motivate the group. On average, North Prospect group’s members lose 4.5lbs in their very first week.

Like all Slimming World Consultants, Sarah lost weight on the plan herself before becoming a self-employed Consultant. Originally a social worker, Sarah took up the role running her own groups full-time after having her second child in 2013.

Sarah says: “I am over the moon we’ve won and I feel like I have the best job in the world. I get to support others to feel amazing about themselves and I get to be a mum to my two children too.

“I love meeting new members. When they first walk through the doors they’re usually nervous and lacking confidence. I love seeing how they then change each week. They learn that they can still fill up on all of their favourite foods and never go hungry while losing weight. They also get the support to become more active, too. With every award and every new stone bracket, they blossom and you see their confidence grow and their lives change along with their clothes size!”

Sarah’s group members are also delighted to be part of an award-wining group. Karen Barrett, who has lost 3st 1lb, says: “What makes the group so special is that we all support each other. It’s not a Slimming World group, it’s a family.”

“Sarah has been amazing, her support and guidance has allowed me to be a much happier person and finally look in the mirror and like what I see,” says Martin Atchinson (left), who has lost 5st 7lbs, “We have definitely hit the jackpot having Sarah as a Consultant.”

Liz Kervell, who has lost 4st with the group, says: “The hardest part was walking through the door for the first time, I was met by a lovely big smile and warm welcome from Sarah and the other group members though.

Sarah will be invited to join Slimming World founder Margaret-Miles Bramwell OBE, directors and other high achievers from across the company at a dinner at The Ritz hotel later this year.

The North Prospect Group runs every Thursday at 3pm, 5pm and 7pm at The Beacon Community Hub, North Prospect Road, Plymouth. To find out more visit: www.slimmingworld.co.uk.

Sarah’s top tips for running the UK’s best slimming group:

• Really get to know your fellow slimmers. It really is the group experience that helps members to make changes and achieve results so the more you know your members the more you can help and support them each week.
• Have fun! There’s always a buzzy, light-hearted atmosphere and my members know they’ll always leave group with a smile on their face no matter how successful they’ve been on the scales.
• Be supportive. As someone who has lost weight myself, I know how challenging losing weight can be at times and I understand how much being overweight can affect how you feel about yourself. We are all in it together at the North Prospect group and we all help each other through the tough times while celebrating all the good times too.
• Share. We’re always sharing loads of ideas for the week ahead. We share so many great cooking tips, recipes and ideas for getting more active so members leave the group feeling motivated, equipped and ready and raring to tackle the week ahead”.