The clubs may be (temporarily) closed but the weight loss journey goes on!

Being stuck at home for weeks during lockdown has meant many of us have piled on the pounds.

But one woman whose mission it is to help people lose weight says the members of her classes have done a great job of keeping it off – with one member losing two and a half stone over the period.

Slimming World consultant Pauline Disley says she has been running virtual classes throughout lockdown, and has been impressed with the dedication of her participants.

Pauline runs classes at St John's Church in Farncombe, the Wilfred Noyce Centre in Godalming and at Rodborough School in Milford. The lockdown put paid to meeting in the flesh, but shifting the sessions online has kept people motivated, she said.

"We have virtual meetings: it's not quite the same as being in a physical group where members come and chat and share advice and tips, but it's meant that people have been able to continue their journeys," she said.

"It's been a lifesaver. I have had lots of ladies who have done really well during lockdown. I have had several members achieve their target, but most are happy to maintain. Attending the virtual meetings has kept them on track."

"It was also about encouraging people to maintain their weight. Some people didn't have any money and they still managed to come to the virtual meetings." (The organisation cut the cost of the programme during the lockdown.) Members were also given access to extra online services, including podcasts, as well as free virtual magazines.

The virtual groups have seen high levels of attendance, with some members coming back after putting on weight while stuck at home.

But with the loosening of the rules some groups are looking to start meeting up again in person.

"I have had a couple of people who have rejoined knowing the group is going to restart," Pauline said.

"They have decided enough's enough, and now they can go out, and real life looks like it's starting to happen again, so they want to lose that weight."

Some local groups are planning to open up again this month: as Pauline says, it depends on the venue.

The week beginning September 1st will see both the Farncombe and Godalming groups Pauline runs opening up again, but the Milford one isn't likely to open its doors until October. Members can, however, go along to one of the other groups if they wish.

The new Slimming World campaign is called Slimdown from Lockdown. Contact Pauline on 07872 162842 to find out more. Booking is essential for all groups.