A woman who “transformed her life” by losing four stone is now using her knowledge to help others achieve their weight loss goals.

Helen Small joined her local Slimming World group in Hersham three years ago and after a lot of hard work, dropped from 15 stone to 11 stone.

Helen decided to train as a consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s largest group-based weight loss organisation, at their national training academy in Derbyshire.

She opened her own group in Esher at St Christopher's church, Hinchley Wood, on Thursday, September 8.

She said: “When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started.

“It’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me so that I can give my members the support they need to get to their target.

“Support is really the most important thing.

“It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone.

“As someone who has lost weight myself, I know the challenges people can face.

“I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight.”

Helen says her new role has never been more important.

The Slimming World weight loss programs include “no-hunger” food and exercise plans alongside “in-depth support and encouragement”.

Helen promises to offer tons of assistance and fun at the weekly group.

She explained: “Setting targets, sharing recipes and other ideas, and working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success is so important to a successful journey.

“Like a lot of slimmers, I had tried to lose weight so many times before by following numerous diets but they were never sustainable because I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate.

“I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World it was different. I never felt like I was on a diet.

“The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation.

“I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself.

“Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat – becoming more active is important too.”

“Our Body Magic programme takes the threat out of activity by showing people how they can build activity into their daily routine without having to take up traditional forms of exercise like going to the gym or running.

“Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car.”

You can attend Helen’s Slimming World group at St Christopher's church in Hinchley Wood every Thursday at 7pm from September 8.