Slimming expert Karen hailed for helping patients get healthy in NHS scheme
A slimming expert has been hailed for her work in helping people of Horncastle and Woodhall Spa to live healthier, happier lives in partnership with the NHS.
The On Referral scheme enables GPs and health providers to refer patients to a local Slimming World group for weekly weight-management support free of charge.
Now Karen Fereday, who runs the Slimming World groups at Horncastle Community Centre and Coronation Hall at Woodhall Spa, has been recognised for her contribution to the scheme.
She was invited to the first On Referral Ambassador Day, which was held at Slimming World’s headquarters in Derbyshire, to thank her for her hard work and dedication and to celebrate her achievements.
Proud Karen said: “When members join our groups after being referred by their healthcare provider, it can be daunting.
"They know that they need to make changes in order to lose weight and improve their health but often don’t know where to start.
"I’m so proud of the warm welcome our groups give to all members, and the way we all support one another to make the changes they need.
"It’s a privilege to celebrate milestones with members when they hit them, and the buzz when someone shares a significant change in their health, such as reducing medication, is electric!”
One of Karen’s success-stories was retired lorry-driver Alan Keuneke, 68, who shed a remarkable four stone and 11 pounds (31kg) thanks to the help of her Slimming World class in Woodhall Spa.
A visit to the doctor’s revealed that a change in lifestyle was in order for Alan, who was borderline diabetic and struggling with breathlessness and severe heartburn. He admits he was “a heart attack waiting to happen”.
Mum Karen herself lost one-and-a-half stone with Slimming World before becoming a self-employed consultant with the organisation. She has been running the Horncastle group for almost 17 years and the Woodhall Spa group for five years.
She went on: “At the Ambassador Day, we got the opportunity to hear from fellow On Referral ambassadors and share new ideas for how we can help even more people in Horncastle and Woodhall.
"I love that Slimming World provides moments like these to celebrate our achievements and share best practice so we can keep improving the level of service we provide to our members. I truly believe I have the best, most rewarding role in the world – and this event made it even more special.”
Slimming World has been a long-time provider to the NHS, and believes the support it offers that sets the organisation apart.
"We focus on equipping members with lifelong tools and support to lose weight and to keep it off,” Karen continued. “They quickly discover they don’t have to go hungry or give up their favourite meals with our science-backed healthy-eating plan.
"With every milestone reached, you see their confidence grow and their lives change, along with the number on the scales!
“There’s so much buzz about weight-loss jabs and drugs at the moment. The truth is there’s no magic bullet when it comes to losing weight and any health benefits are shortlived unless people can make real change.
"The members in our groups who’ve joined via the On Referral scheme are proof that it’s possible to lose weight, and maintain it, without injections."
Karen’s Slimming World groups meet at 9.30 every Tuesday morning in Horncastle and at 5.30 and 7 every Tuesday evening at Woodhall Spa. Call her on 07900 062817 for more information.