Skegness slimming group crowned best in the UK and Ireland!

A slimming group in Skegness has won Slimming World’s coveted Group of the Year 2026 title at a prestigious awards ceremony, naming them the organisation’s top performing group among the 12,000 held across UK and Ireland.  

The Skegness group, who meet every Friday at St Paul’s, were crowned at the annual Slimming World ‘Oscars’

Other sessions that Jo runs in Skegness are every Tuesday morning at St Clements and every Thursday evening at St Paul’s Skegness.

Jo Diamond, who has been running the Skegness group for 5 years, collected the award. 

Slimming World’s Managing Director Lisa Salmon hosted the sparkling event, held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. 

The Skegness group was awarded the title based on its outstanding quality in a number of key areas, including members’ incredible weight loss success, the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere of the group and Jo’s ability to encourage and motivate the group. 

Jo says: “I’m absolutely over the moon that we’ve won Slimming World Group of the Year 2026.

Every member in our Skegness groups are an absolute star, they have worked so hard to transform their own lives while cheering on and supporting their fellow members. I truly believe I have the best, most rewarding, role in the world and having our incredible group recognised with this award makes it even more special. I can’t wait for us all to celebrate together.”

Jo lost 12st 7lbs with Slimming World before becoming a self-employed Consultant

She says “I wasn’t sure if I would ever be able to get to where I so desperately wanted to be with my weight, or where to even start. 

“I gave Slimming World a try after my doctor at the time informed me that something needed to change, otherwise I might not be here next year.

I remember I was so nervous walking into my first group session, but I was met with such warmth and finally felt like I’d found a place where everyone was in the same boat and understood how I felt about my weight – because they had the same challenges or worries. 

We’ve recently made some changes to the way our groups run, so if anyone’s been a Slimming World member before they’ll spot a few updates including an even stronger focus on mindset, planning and strategies for the week ahead.  

“For me the combination of the group support and Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising, was a game changer. I lost weight while enjoying delicious, filling meals and the accountability of that weekly session kept me motivated. Gradually, I even started to get more active and now I love long walks with the dogs and weekends away walking. It’s incredible to think how far I’ve come, and I feel proud of myself.

Which I never would have been able to do before. Knowing I’ve made changes that I can maintain for life, without feeling restricted, is the most empowering feeling.”

She adds that the group welcomes anyone wanting to lose weight – including those taking weight loss injections – for support to build healthy habits and keep the weight off long term: “When it comes to feeling unhappy with your size, I’ve been there too, so I understand how challenging it can be to find the right support.

Everyone’s journey is different.

For some people that may include weight loss medication. What really makes the difference long term is having support to build healthy habits around food, activity and mindset. That’s why people at all stages of their weight loss journey, including those using medication, are welcome at Slimming World.”

To join, pop along to one of our Skegness sessions or for more information contact Consultant Jo on 07949 488112