Themes
- Self Help Group
- Promoting Healthy Living
The media talks about obesity as a national crisis, that more and more of us are overweight, and that it’s likely that obesity-related health problems will make increasing demands on the health services. Women’s magazines are full of information about dieting and healthy eating, have articles about skinny celebrities, and then carry advertising for indulgent food. And yet, many people with obesity feel isolated and depressed, and find there is little information available for people who want to address their eating. Many obese people also feel there is a lack of sympathy for their condition because it’s seen to be their fault.
HOPE was set up to support people who are coping with obesity and provides
- Advice about nutrition
- Encouragement to exercise, such as group swimming
- Counselling to help people address what is causing their eating disorder
- Information about surgical interventions such as gastric bypass, and non-surgical ways to lose weight
- Support and encouragement for a whole family approach
- Complementary therapies
- Access to Life Coaching
- Beauty therapies as a treat
- Telephone support where necessary
The group meets monthly in Leicester, and is sponsored by a national leisure chain who provide a free venue for meetings and reduced cost weekly access to the swimming pool. The group has a membership of 30-40 of men, women and families from a range of ethnic backgrounds, who participate in various ways. Some people will come just once for particular information while others come regularly and join in the exercise groups as they become more self-confident.
At the monthly meetings there are speakers, discussions about healthy eating, how to support children who are being bullied etc. No one is weighed and the atmosphere is relaxed, with no stigma attached to attending.
The group receives no funding at present and is run on a self-financing basis.
For further information contact:
Se.price@fsmail.net
