Community Champions

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.