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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, has announced the two charities he will be supporting throughout his term of office for 2025–2026, The Laurence Trust and the Head Injury Support.
Councillor Campbell recently met with representatives of both organisations to learn more about the vital work they undertake across the district. The Head Injury Support provides crucial support to individuals affected by acquired brain injury and their families, offering advocacy, tailored programmes and a safe environment to help people rebuild confidence, develop skills and achieve their full potential following life-changing injury.
The Laurence Trust is a community-focused charity dedicated to supporting men affected by eating disorders. Through its unique helpline, the charity provides a fast and accessible way to support vulnerable men. It also offers signposting to connect those in need with the most appropriate services and support groups and helps identify clear care pathways to treatment.
Cllr Campbell said it was a pleasure to meet with such worthy charities that he is honoured to support during his term of office. "These grassroots organisations deal with issues that are often hidden away by society, yet they affect so many people. I am looking forward to supporting both charities over the next five months and hope to raise greater awareness of the amazing support and services they provide across our district," he said.
He praised the Head Injury Support for giving those who have suffered head injuries a true voice and a safe space to thrive and enjoy a better quality of life. Reflecting on the work of the Laurence Trust, Cllr Campbell added, "Eating disorders are very often not spoken about, especially among men. I commend the charity for its compassionate, person-centred approach in supporting men to access the right help on their journey to recovery."
Shelagh Smyth, Service Delivery Manager for Head Injury Support, said the support of the Chairperson will provide a wonderful opportunity for the charity to showcase the vital work it does in supporting adults with acquired brain injuries and their carers. "It will also generate essential funding, enabling us to continue delivering current services and amplifying the voices of people living with ABI," she said.
Welcoming the Chairperson's decision to support the organisation during his term of office, Pam Nugent, Co-founder and Chairperson of the Laurence Trust, said the support from Cllr Campbell and the wider community will help to shine a light for men, their families and friends living with eating disorders to give that person courage and concern to walk the pathway to better mental health.
Cllr Campbell said he is truly humbled and amazed by the work of each of these charities. "Many of the founders and volunteers have endured personal tragedy that has led to a commitment to helping others through some of the most challenging times. I commend you for your dedication and the difference you make every day," he said.
He emphasised the importance of the third sector, noting that the work of grassroots charities is often overlooked and unrecognised. He added that all elected representatives should do what they can to address this shortcoming and pledged his continued support, promising to revisit and champion their work throughout his term.
The Laurence Trust and Head Injury Support will have an opportunity to share more about their work at the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Civic Awards on 20 February. Guests attending the Civic Awards will also have the opportunity to support both charities through voluntary donations on the evening, with all contributions going directly towards helping the organisations continue their vital work supporting individuals and families across the district.
