People can sign up for the course via the council’s public health team if they are over a certain BMI and live or work in Wandsworth, or attend a Wandsworth GP. As well as weekly classes, they will be also be able to get free online support.

The groups combine advice and support on healthy eating, physical activity and motivation. Classes are held at venues across the borough.

Local resident Barbara Maguire has lost almost five stone after being referred by the council’s weight management team to her local slimming club in Battersea. She said, "I have been overweight for the majority of my lifetime and at the age of 52 I was the heaviest I had ever been. I struggled to walk any distance; even just the short walk to the bus stop in the morning to get to work would leave me breathless and with painful knees and joints. I had resigned myself to the fact that this is how it would be for the rest of my life.

"To be honest, the 12 weeks free voucher is what appealed to me - I thought, what if I give it a go, see what it’s like and if after 12 weeks I’m not happy or see no results, then at least it hasn’t cost me anything. 

“The first day I walked through the doors of my local Slimming World group I was pretty nervous, but everybody seemed friendly and happy. Members shared recipes they had tried, gave advice and support to other members, and it was all very encouraging. Now know I will never, ever go back to the weight I was before. And it’s all thanks to Slimming World and Wandsworth Council’s referral system."

The council’s director of public health, Houda Al-Sharifi, said: "Obesity can cause serious problems, including heart disease, strokes, cancer, mobility issues and diabetes, so keeping your weight down is an important step in maintaining good health. By offering these vouchers the council hopes to encourage people to take that important first step in controlling their weight in a fun, safe and supportive environment. “

To find out more or book your free place, contact the Wandsworth Weight Management team on (020) 8871 5017 or email health@wandsworth.gov.uk. Some restrictions apply  and the scheme is available to over 18s only. You can check to see if there is a club near you here.

To find out more about this and other weight management support offered by the council, including help for younger people, visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/weightmanagement.

Find out if you need to lose weight, or have any other health problems, with a free NHS healthcheck, available from your doctor, some pharmacies and mobile clinics. Visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/healthchecks for more information.