The Laurence Trust
Trustees' Report 2 April 2024 – 1 April 2025
The Laurence Trust 15 Kilwood Crescent Crossgar DOWNPATRICK Co Down BT30 9DF
BACKGROUND:
The Laurence Trust was established in 2012 by Pamela and Christopher Nugent in honour of their son and brother Laurence who passed away in September 2009 after living with Bulimia for eight years. The charity is governed by the Trust Deed dated 12 April 2012 (appendix A).
The board of Trustees at 02/04/2025 consists of:
Mr Christopher Nugent Mrs Pamela Nugent Mr Michael Magill Mr lain Cunningham Mr Stephen Carlisle Mr Peter Crossett Ms Deirdre Johnston (Volunteer Shadow Director/Independent Examiner)
Aims and Objectives
The charity's primary aim is to work for and on behalf of males in Northern Ireland who suffer from an eating disorder. Our main purpose is to advocate on behalf of a section of the community who we view as often silent in their struggle with what is a very serious mental illness.
Specifically, we aim to raise public awareness of eating disorders, including providing education about their nature as a mental illness. An important part of this is breaking down the stereotypes around eating disorders, including the perceptions that they are caused by vanity and only affect females. Alongside our awareness campaign, the Laurence Trust aims to provide information and support to those affected by eating disorders and their families. We aim to achieve this through the provision of information and guidance about how to live with the condition and where to seek support, both professional and voluntary.
We also aim to provide support directly via a helpline for sufferers and anyone who wants information and/or support to contact.
Main Activities during 2024-2025
the main activities of the Laurence Trust during the year April 2024-March 2025 was confined to:
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procuring advertising as a method to reach out to the general public of Northern Ireland and UK wide
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participated in Eating Disorder Awareness Week in February 2025 by advertising on NI Bus rears/bus shelters to raise awareness of eating disorders
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Circulating posters/leaflets and booklets to local leisure centre/local GP surgeries to share information on how people can reach out for help and support
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providing information literature to Clients who contacted the Laurence Trust seeking support via the Information Helpline
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sponsoring 3 clients who contacted The Laurence Trust to participate in support training on the management of their eating disorder
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participating in online meetings with The Eating Disorder Forum NI (of which The Laurence Trust are associated member) Patient Client Council Mental Health engagement platform of which The Laurence Trust is a member
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Participated in a local radio interview with the Silent Struggles Team regarding men and women living with eating disorders (18-25 year old age range)
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Trustee Meetings x 2 held throughout 2025
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Sponsoring Carers’ workshops for FREED Beyond – sponsoring 6 people (3 carers/3 people living with an eating disorder)
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Engagement with The Liverpool Faculty of Eating Disorders discussions on the prevention of deaths due to eating disorders
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Participated in meetings and has become a member of the All Party Westminster ED Group of which the Laurence Trust is now a member of the Taskforce team to launch a strategic document on prevention of eating disorder deaths
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Engaged with the local Coroner of NI and Medical Advisor to take forward awareness of eating disorder deaths
Provision of information and support
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Ongoing information through the dedicated Laurence Trust website (www.thelaurencetrust.co.uk) which is regularly updated to take account of the most relevant and up to date information for sufferers and their loved ones
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Providing support through the Laurence Trust Social Media Platform on a daily basis where male sufferers private message the charity seeking support and advice
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Distribution of leaflets to people contacting the Charity via the Helpline to request information on EDs; the leaflets provide information on eating disorders, and provides support contact information
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Distribution on request - The Maudsley Book that provides supportive information and guidance to Carers of people living with Eating Disorders – Carers have contacted the Charity to talk about their loved one’s Eating Disorders and the Charity provided the Maudsley Book as part of the information services provided
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As outlined above, we have also endeavoured to attend meetings and discussion forums with interested parties and voluntary groups where possible to continue raising awareness of eating disorders and share best practice – the Charity is currently the Chair of the Eating Disorder Forum.
Fundraising activities
Two fundraising events under the fundraising activities from March 2024 to February 2025 were organised and ran by voluntary fundraisers – Cosy Roof and Shelley Peake
SIGNED:
Pamela Nugent
Position in Charity: Chairperson Date: 1 April 2025
THE LAURENCE TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT AND RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2022
Charity Registration No. 102888
THE LAURENCE TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES ON THE PREPARATION OF THE UNAUDITED STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE LAURENCE TRUST FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2022
Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of The Laurence Trust I report on the accounts of the charity for the period ended 31 March 2022.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and auditor
As the charity's Trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Chanties Act (Northern Ireland) 2008
It is my responsibility to:
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Examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act
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Follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Commission under section 65 (9) (b) of the Charities Act
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State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
I have examined your charity accounts as required under Section 65 of the Chanties Act and my examination was camed out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65 (9) (b) of the Charities Act.
My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented With those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as a charity Trustee concerning any such matters.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe
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That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act
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That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records.
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3, That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act.
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That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) Iisted above and. in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention
Deirdre Johnston
Volunteer/Independent Examiner, The Laurence Trust