A Slimming World group in Brecon has brought two women together in a friendship which has grown far beyond the weekly weigh-in.

When Whitley Lloyd first joined Jo Thomas’s Slimming World group, she was looking to lose weight and make a change to her life.

But while she achieved her weight-loss goals, she also found something she had not expected – a new sense of confidence and a close friendship with Jo.

What began as a consultant supporting a member gradually developed into a genuine friendship, with the pair sharing family occasions, celebrations, laughter and difficult times together.

Now their journey has come full circle, with Whitley becoming a Slimming World consultant herself.

Jo said the experience showed how groups could offer people much more than support with losing weight.

“When people think about Slimming World, they might think about food, weight loss and the scales,” said Jo.

“But for is, Slimming World has always been about something much bigger.

It is about people. It is about community, friendship, laughter, encouragement, confidence and having somewhere you can walk into exactly as you are, knowing that you will be welcomed and supported.”

Jo and Whitley have supported each other through both good times and difficult periods.

Jo is currently undergoing cancer treatment, and said Whitley has become an important source of support during what has been a challenging time.

“She is my rock at the moment,” Jo said.

Their friendship has also inspired Whitley to help others by becoming a consultant herself.

Having experienced the benefits of being part of a group first-hand, she now wants to give other members the same encouragement and confidence she received.

Jo said there were many achievements celebrated at a Slimming World group which had nothing to do with the scales.

“Slimming World is about so much more than the scales,” she said.

“Of course, the weight-loss results are something to celebrate. Every pound lost, every award achieved and every target reached deserves a huge cheer.

“But there are so many other victories that happen inside a Slimming World group. It's the person who finally believes they can do it. The member who walks into group after a difficult week instead of giving up. The confidence to wear an outfit you've been avoiding. The new friendships made over a shared experience. The laughter around the group table. The tears when someone reaches a goal they've worked towards for months or even years. It's having people who understand. People to  turn to when things don’t go to plan. It's knowing that one difficult week doesn't define your journey. And sometimes, it's finding friendships that continue far beyond the group itself.”

Jo and Whitley run Slimming World groups in Brecon and Libanus.

Jo’s Brecon groups are held at Llanfaes Church Hall, Church Street, on Thursdays at 7.30am, 9am and 10.30am. Contact Jo on 07411 891480.

Whitley’s Libanus group is held at Libanus United Reformed Church on Mondays at 7pm. Contact Whitley on 07949 379254.