Family tragedy spurred Laurence to help kids stay heart healthy
The fact that his Uncle Michael died suddenly of a heart attack the day after his 45th birthday in August 2012 made Laurence Bellew think hard about health. When he read that obesity and mental health are the two biggest problems facing children on the island of Ireland he decided to do something about it.
Laurence, who is Children’s Work Co–ordinator for Willowfield Parish Community Association, has developed Life Guards, a programme funded by Heart Research UK which aims to tackle both problems head on. It takes a holistic approach, teaching children how emotional health and physical health are connected. In the way that Lifeguards have the skills to save other people’s lives, the Life Guards programme aims to teach children the skills to save their own lives. Laurence is currently delivering the programme across schools in Belfast – 483 children in 8 schools have now completed it.
“My interest in mental health is because my uncle also suffered from bipolar disorder and so did my Mum, developing it when I was 11. Me and my brother were in foster care quite a bit growing up as well as my youngest brother being adopted by another family due to her illness.
“As well as sharing some of these experiences and the importance of speaking up when you’re stressed or struggling, I tell the kids about my own battle with putting on weight after I stopped playing football and how I have since changed my lifestyle. I’m now a qualified fitness instructor and personal trainer.”
Laurence interviewed 3 local sports stars for a video and introduces Jordan Caldwell, an 18 year old who has overcome anorexia. He tells the kids about his struggle and how not eating is also really bad for your heart.
Laurence continues: “Throughout the 6 week programme, we discuss topics like exercise, nutrition, setting targets, not being afraid of failure, dreaming big and working hard. As part of the programme I also take 4 hour long fitness lessons with each individual class and there are awards for the top boy and top girl as well as the most improved or best attitude. There’s also a competition between classes for the fittest class in each school.”
Each child who completes the programme gets a certificate, water bottle, a stress ball in the shape of a heart as well as a 16 page booklet.
This year the trophy for the fittest school was presented to the first ever winners, Lowwood Primary School, along with the Michael Rice Memorial Cup presented by Laurence’s family. It was a happy coincidence that 60 years ago Bishop Harold went into P1 in Lowwood Primary and was able to make the presentation himself!
Email Laurence if you’d like to find out more about the tremendous ‘Life Guards programme.
Laurence in action in Loughview Integrated Primary.
