Whole new world for super slim Sam

As many of us look to shed a few pounds in the new year, Dorchester slimmer Sam Roach got a head start on everyone by losing four stone with the help of a support group in 2022.

Sam Roach, 44, says going to weekly Slimming World meetings in the county town has helped her rediscover the joy of cooking and achieve her ideal weight.

Sam said she has ‘always struggled’ with her weight since childhood and spent years in a ‘vicious cycle of traditional dieting’ which she said led to ‘feelings of guilt and deprivation’.

Sam said: “I feel amazing. “With my Slimming World group and my fabulous consultant Tracie, I have found my tribe – they are like a second family.

“You set your own weight loss goals and there is never any judgement – just lots of understanding, encouragement, and advice. ”I couldn’t believe how much food I could eat and still lose weight! Nothing is off-limits and there is never a reason to feel hungry. As a self-confessed carb lover, I can still enjoy all my favourite Italian meals, including risotto, lasagne and carbonara. I’m also still able to satisfy my sweet tooth as well as eat out – meaning I never feel like I’m missing out.”

After joining the Dorchester Slimming World group last year Sam lost 9lbs in her first two weeks and is still attending meetings despite meeting her weight loss goal. Sam said: “As a target

GOALS: Slimming World consultant Sam Roach as she is today and, inset, before losing four stone member, I’ll continue to have the invaluable support of my group, with all the membership benefits free of charge.

“And with Slimming World’s unique tailored maintenance plan for target members, I know I will stay at a healthy weight forever.”

Sam says her weight loss has resulted in a newfound confidence to try new hobbies such as dancing, adding: “I even managed to persuade my husband to join me at Swing Jive lessons and am looking forward to starting weekly Charleston classes very soon.” Sam now wants to help others achieve their own weight loss goals and has trained to become a Slimming World consultant herself. She said “I’m so excited to start running my own Slimming World groups. I really want to give something back – sharing my own experience and helping others in the way that Slimming World and my consultant have helped me.”

Sam runs the Slimming World groups at The Old Salvation Army Hall in Durngate Street, Dorchester on Friday and Saturday mornings. Groups run on Fridays at 9.30am and 11.30am and Saturdays at 9.30am.

For more information or an informal chat, please contact Sam on 07814 619200.

Library volunteer Joan honoured after 20 years’ service

A Littlemoor library volunteer has been honoured for 20 years of service.

Joan Chalker was given a badge marking two decades of volunteering for the home library service and the Royal Voluntary Service at a special meeting in Weymouth.

Joan said: “I have enjoyed my time with the home library service. I have met many interesting and fascinating people over the years, and I hope to continue for some time to come.”

RVS service manager for Dorset’s home library service Maria Jacobson presented Joan the badge with a bouquet of flowers. Maria said: “The home library service means so much to the people who receive it. Anyone who struggles to get to the library to get their books can apply to join for free. Books and talking books are chosen carefully for each person and delivered by an RVS volunteer every three or four weeks.” n Call the RVS office on 01305 236666.

Citizens Advice is offering free, confidential guidance for individuals and families at Pound Piece surgery in Maiden Newton from 9am to noon on Mondays. Staff will offer advice on benefits, housing, debt, employment and consumer rights.

For an appointment call 01308 861800.

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