‘If I sat on my daughter’s bed, I was scared it would break!’
Laura Barr used to binge on chocolate when life got too tough, but she now says going to Slimming World has ‘completely changed her life’. reports
The mother-of-two added: “Slimming World has helped me control my eating and has taught me that I can still have the foods that I enjoy, but in moderation.”
As part of her new, healthy lifestyle, Laura – who works at Tumble Tots – has taken up exercise including running and hula hooping.
She said: “I have got a lot more confidence now and I can do a lot more things with my girls.
“We go walking and on bike rides and I never would have done that before. I can still have all of the things that I enjoy, and that’s why I love Slimming World.
“I have been at my target weight for a month now and I am still going to go to group.
“I have made some really good friends and I have had so much support.
“I would recommend it to anyone, it has completely changed my life.” Laura’s Slimming World consultant, Julie Pugh – who runs the Rode Heath group – said: “Laura is very inspirational. She has lost over six stone to reach her target within 40 weeks. She is amazing.”
miserable and alone. I would like to start seeing people again with a view to finding someone to share my life with. The problem is, dating is a complete mystery to me. My daughter thinks I should use an online dating agency and is willing to help. I know that everything is online these days, but I am nervous of doing this and wonder if you could recommend one that was safe to use? Assuming there is one that copes with the over-60s!”
There are many agencies that specialise in finding potential partners for people in their 50s, 60s or even older. However, I really can’t recommend one agency over another – you need to decide for yourself the kind
of agency that best suits your needs. What I can suggest is that you only use an agency if it is a member of the Association of British Introduction Agencies (ABIA.ORG. uk). Members of the ABIA must conform to a code of practice and have been operating for at least 12 months. ABIA also has guidance on their website about using dating agencies safely. You could also consider other ways to meet people too. Developing new interests, such as hobbies, classes or sports, would enable you to meet others without the pressure that dating can sometimes create. You might also want to investigate the University of the Third Age. You can find all kinds of things to do and get involved with through their local branches.