Support Groups
WLSinfo has a number of support groups, run by volunteers operating throughout the UK.
These groups first started in Liverpool and Leeds six years ago and have since grown into a lively vibrant network of groups right across the British Isles.
They provide unique peer-led information and support resources, which offer individuals the chance to share their experiences in a safe and friendly environment.
WLSinfo support groups are open to anyone who has had, or considering weight loss surgery, regardless of where you had, or are having your surgery, whether you’re private or NHS funded.
A friendly and supportive group will warmly welcome you, where empathy and a listening ear are guaranteed. You will meet people with whom you can share your journey and identify with - people who truly understand. You will be in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Many of our members report that they have experienced loneliness and isolation. Belonging to a group really helps. The whole process is made easier by sharing.
Each group is autonomous and sets its own agenda. I spoke to some members to see what they get from attending a group. Here are a few examples of what they had to say...
“I like the speakers, in the past we have had a surgeon, a psychologist and a dietitian. Hearing their points of view helped me see things about myself and my journey” - Annie from Central London
“It’s great to see people changing over time and hearing how their lives have improved. I felt a bit strange coming to the first meeting but I needn’t have worried, after 10 minutes I felt like a regular.” - Mary from the Isle of Man.
“At 3 years post op I stopped going to the group for a while and went off track, I started to gain weight and I felt despondent. One of my friends I made at the group encouraged me to return and I’m so glad I did – I’m back on track and feel so much better knowing I have people behind me, giving me a helping hand when I need it the most.” - Sue from Cardiff
“I gained so much information and support from WLSinfo that I decided, with their help to set up a support group in my area. I wanted to give something back. I really enjoy the monthly meetings and it feels great to help others.” - Mike, group co-coordinator in Sussex.
All our groups are held in accessible venues, welcome relatives and friends and are free to attend, although voluntary donations are always gratefully received.
WLSinfo Support Groups make a real difference to the outcome of your weight loss surgery and help you to understand what to expect. You will appreciate the value of information received and meet people who will offer you support and friendship.
Use the following directory to locate your nearest group – If you need help then call our helpline on 0151-222-4737 and leave a message with your contact details and one of our volunteers will get back to you. Alternatively you can contact us at enquiries@wlsinfo.org.uk
If you cannot find a group in your area, contact Bianca Scollen on bee@wlsinfo.org.uk who will point you in the right direction.
BATH
Location: Community Room, Wessex Water HQ, Claverton Down Road, Bath, BA2 7WW
Meeting day: Wed or Thurs Time: 7.30 - 9.30pm
Frequency: Every 2/3 months
BELFAST
Location: Days Inn, Belfast City Centre, 40 Hope Street, Belfast BT12 5EE
belfastsupport@wlsinfo.org.uk
Meeting day: Saturday Time: 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Frequency: Monthly - First Saturday
CHRISTCHURCH/BOURNEMOUTH
Location: Holes Bay (Premier inn), Holes Bay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BD
christchurchsupport@wlsinfo.org.uk
Meeting day: Monday Time: 7.30pm onwards
Frequency: Monthly - First Monday
CARDIFF
Location: Spire Cardiff Hospital, Croescadarn Road, Pentwyn, Cardiff, CF23 8XL
Meeting day: Tuesday Time: 7.00pm - 9.00pm
Frequency: Monthly - First Tuesday
CENTRAL LONDON
Location: 30 Devonshire Street, London, W1G 6PU
centrallondonsupport@wlsinfo.org.uk
Meeting day: Saturday Time: 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Frequency: Monthly- Third Saturday
EAST MIDLANDS
Location: Spire Leicester Hospital, Gartree Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 2FF
eastmidlandssupport@wlsinfo.org.uk
Meeting day: Saturday Time: 2.00pm - 5.00pm
Frequency: Monthly - Last Saturday
GATESHEAD
Location: Gateshead East Community Fire Station, Dryden Road, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE9 5BU
gatesheadsupport@wlsinfo.org.uk
Meeting day: Tuesday Time: 7.00pm - 9.30pm
Frequency: Monthly - First Tuesday
GLASGOW
Location: Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0A
Meeting day: Saturday Time: 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Frequency: Monthly - Last Saturday
HAMPSHIRE
Location: Postern Court, Upper Bugle Street, Southampton,
SO14 2AF
southamptonsupport@wlsinfo.org.uk
Meeting day: Saturday Time:10.30am - 1.00pm
Frequency: Every 1/2 Months
ISLE OF MAN
Location: The Archibold Knox Public House, Avondale Road, Onchan, Isle of Man, IM3 1AG
isleofmansupport@wlsinfo.org.uk
Meeting day: Monday Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Frequency: Monthly - Last Monday
LEEDS
Location: Spire Leeds Hospital, Jackson Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds, LS8 1NT
Meeting day: Monday Time: 7.00pm - 9.00pm
Frequency: Monthly - Second Monday
LIVERPOOL
Location: Green Bank Sports Academy, Greenbank Lane, Liverpool, L17 2AG
liverpoolsupport@wlsinfo.org.uk
Meeting day: Tuesday Time: 7.00pm - 10.00pm
Frequency: Monthly - Third Tuesday
MANCHESTER
Location: Sheldon Arms, Lord Sheldon Way, Ashton-under-Lyne, Manchester, OL7 0QN
manchestersupport@wlsinfo.org.uk
Meeting day: Tuesday Time: 7.30pm -10.30pm
Frequency: Monthly - First Tuesday
MID KENT
Location: Brookers Oast Brewers Fayre. The Hop Farm, Beltring, Paddock Wood Tonbridge TN12 6PY
Meeting day: Thursday Time: 7.30pm - 10.30pm
Frequency: Monthly - First Thursday
SOUTH YORKSHIRE/DERBYSHIRE
Location: To be arranged
sheffieldsupport@wlsinfo.org.uk
Meeting day: Time:
Frequency:
STOKE ON TRENT/NEWCASTLE UNDER LYME
Location: Nuffield Hospital, North Staffs, Clayton Road, Newcastle Under Lyme, ST5 4DB
Meeting day: Saturday Time: 10.00am - 12.00pm
Frequency: Monthly First Saturday
SURREY
Location: Hugo's Bar, The Holiday Inn Hotel, Victoria Way, Woking, Surrey, GU21 8EW
Meeting day: Saturday Time: 2.30pm onwards
Frequency: Monthly - First or second Saturday
SUSSEX
Location: The Waterside Inn, Ferry Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5RA
Meeting day: Monday Time: 7pm onwards
Frequency: Monthly - Second Monday
WEST MIDLANDS
Location: Spire Parkway Hospital, 1 Damson Parkway, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 2PP
westmidlandssupport@wlsinfo.org.uk
Meeting day: Saturday Time: 2.30pm - 4.30pm
Frequency: Monthly - First Saturday