MEET Dawn Booth, a mum, a wife, a friend, a volunteer, and a Slimming World consultant.

A busy lady who will share with you that she has spent a lot of her life putting others first, making sure their needs are met and that they are happy and she would admit at times it was to the detriment of her own well-being.

Dawn has lost an amazing amount of weight over the years and has been helping others in her role as a slimming consultant for 24 years. A job she loves.

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She said: “Being overweight is one of the biggest burdens any of us carry, we feel judged, we judge ourselves, we put ourselves down and we blame.

“It’s a vicious circle and one that takes help and support to get out of. I lost weight the first time over 25 years ago as a member of a fun fabulous and supportive group, which is what I’ve strived to create in my groups.

“Being a member allows me time to think, it allows me time to plan and to get ideas and encouragement from like-minded people.

“During the first lockdown I ate and drank and I could feel the weight going back on, my group was being held online and it helped but nothing beats that face-to-face in-room contact so as soon as I could I went back to the group.

“Whilst in group I planned my menus, I planned my exercise (couch to 5k was the good thing that came out of lockdown number three), and I gave myself some me time.

Somerset County Gazette:

“Mental health is important, self-care is important, mindset. Is important. Discover the freedom.

“The freedom to enjoy healthy takes on the food you love – like curry and rice, burgers, pasta dishes without counting a single calorie.

“The freedom to make your own choices with powerful personalised support – you're in control.

“The freedom to get more active in a way that suits your lifestyle.

“And best of all – freedom from the old habits and life scripts that used to hold you back. We’ll help you to understand yourself as a slimmer and give you the know-how to identify deep-rooted patterns and the confidence to commit to healthy new habits, for life.

“I didn’t just find a Slimming group, I found a lifeline that gave me the freedom to be myself, respect myself and like myself.”

Dawn runs Slimming groups at St James Church Hall, St James Street, Taunton on Thursday and Friday, and at Silver Street, Baptist Church, Taunton, on Saturday mornings.

For more information on joining your local slimming world group contact Dawn on 07779 404038.