The Laurence Trust raises Awareness on men living with eating disorders to Council Committee
February 19, 2019
Councillor Nathan Anderson recently welcomed Mrs Pamela Nugent and Mr Christopher Nugent from the Laurence Trust to the Corporate Services Committee.
The Laurence Trust is a charity based in Northern Ireland. It provides information and support to men living with Eating Disorders and their families.
Pamela Nugent founded the Laurence Trust in 2012 after her youngest son, Laurence, passed away in 2009 aged 24. He had struggled with Bulimia and Depression for around 8 years. Pamela shared her experiences with Committee Members as Laurence’s mother. She advised how her family was deeply affected during her son’s illness, his journey, the profound worry and stress, and her lack of knowledge about his problems.
She stressed the importance of seeking GP support in the first instance for Eating Disorder conditions. Pamela also spoke about the importance of understanding mental health and about support needed for carers and families.
Mr Christopher Nugent is Pamela’s older son, and Laurence’s brother. He spoke on the Laurence Trust’s work. This includes a dedicated website, www.thelaurencetrust.co.uk where there is up-to-date information about Eating Disorders, signposting for support resources, a dedicated information helpline, personal stories from sufferers, and advice for family members and carers.
The charity also raises awareness/education about Eating Disorders and recovery, by attending various open nights and presenting at events and meetings, such as the Council’s Committee. Pamela and Christopher are supported by charity volunteers.
The Chairman, Councillor Nathan Anderson, said: “This was a powerful and emotive presentation and I thank Pam and Christopher for their openness, as the loss of Laurence will of course stay with them forever. Yet they have built on this tragedy to help others and they deserve our respect and admiration.
“I would encourage any young man with problems in this area to firstly seek advice from medical professionals and to check out the Laurence Trust website. We heard from Pam’s experiences how it can be so difficult for someone suffering with an Eating Disorder to seek help or to admit they need help, and the Laurence Trust also provides information for families.
“This is an extremely complex area so expert medical support should always be sought,” he concluded.
Up to date information can be found at www.thelaurencetrust.co.uk
Representatives of The Laurence Trust Pam Nugent, Founding Member and Christopher Nugent, Chairman gave a presentation to the Council and are pictured with Mr David Burns, Chief Executive; Councillor Nathan Anderson, Chairman of the Corporate Services Committee and Councillor Ben Mallon, Vice-Chairman of the Corporate Services Committee.