We are delighted to announce that we have successfully worked with Public Health England to deliver the pilot Community Champions Programme across the country over the past two years.
We now have three volunteer Community Champions who have been recruited to run ‘HOOP Groups’ which provide peer-to-peer support for members of the community struggling with obesity. They can offer ‘expert by experience’ knowledge, creating a two way dialogue between members of the community and health professionals and organisations in their locality.
The aims of HOOP (UK) are to support those who struggle with obesity whilst they address their weight issues, to help break down the stigma surrounding obesity and to be the voice of the person with obesity. These aims will be reflected throughout the programme.
Public Health England worked closely with the delivery team and this unique project has been fully evaluated. The project aims to create a sustainable way forward for the groups to continue.
The project covers becoming more active and healthy eating with a significant focus on the emotional well-being of group members. As a result support mechanisms such as new friendships have developed.
Below is a list of groups which are currently running.
Bognor Regis
1st Monday of the month
7:00-9:00pm
Find It Out Centre
Church Path, 39 Glamis Street
Bognor Regis
West Sussex
PO21 1DB
HOOPBognor@mail.com
07561 165271
Paignton
First Tuesday of the month
11:00am-1:00pm
Palace Ave Methodist Church hall
Paignton
TQ3 3EQ
hooptorbay@gmail.com
Swindon
3rd Tuesday of the month
7:00pm-9:00pm
Tesco Community Room
Ocotal Way
Swindon
SN1 2EH
hoopswindon@gmail.com