SDLP Youth have congratulated students who received their GCSE results today. The youth group message to young people is ‘to stay on in education and take advantage of the government’s Education Maintenance Allowance’.

Belfast SDLP Youth member Peter Armstrong said: “We must congratulate students across the north today for their great successes at GCSEs. Criticism of the exam system by the media is misguided. Students really deserve to be congratulated for their results. It’s not that exams are getting easier but students are working harder, and that should never be criticised.

“There are a wide variety of options for young people and we would encourage students to consider their grades and plan the best pathway - further education, entrepreneurship, learning a trade or going into fulltime work.

“SDLP Youth is supportive of the Government’s Education Maintenance Allowance and we encourage young people to stay in education as it opens up a world of new possibilities.”

Peter concluded, “Not everyone will get the results they wanted but our message is not to panic - there are many options opened to all young people and students should seek careers advice on what to do next. Organisations such as the One Life Exams Helpline can provides confidential and impartial advice free of charge by phoning 0808 100 8000.”

On this International Youth Day, backed by the Deputy Mayor of Belfast Pat Convery, SDLP Youth are sending out a strong message to young people across the north to make personal safety a priority.

Speaking in the aftermath of the cruel and violent attacks on young people in Belfast in the past few weeks, SDLP Youth Member Claire Hanna said, “Young people across the north have been deeply touched by the brutal murder of 15 year old Thomas Devlin, and only last week we were all shocked to hear of the horrific double rape in West Belfast.

“These incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of young people everywhere. Instead of the customary celebration on International Youth Day, SDLP Youth feel it is only fitting to use today to encourage young people to make their personal safety a top priority.

“It is with great sadness that the Delvin family are mourning the untimely death of Thomas on this International Youth Day. Sincerest condolences from the entire SDLP Youth group are expressed to the Delvin family and all Thomas’s friends at this heartbreaking time. We also keep in our thoughts today the young people who watched on as Thomas was viciously stabbed to death, those who were terrorised during the rape ordeal last weekend and of course the victim of that cruel double rape.”

“Young people across the north, the communities here and the police must now work together to ensure no one else is targeted by such brutality.”

Supporting the SDLP Youth call, Deputy Mayor of Belfast Pat Convery stated, “Those who prey on young people are wicked and dangerous. All of us must take active steps to ensure no other young person becomes a victim of such horrendous attacks. That means always letting someone know where you are and what time to expect you home.

“There is also a responsibility on all communities to encourage young people to contact the police if they need assistance. Young people should feel that the police are there for their protection and there should be no doubt in any young person’s mind whether to contact the emergency services or not. The emergency services, and that includes the police, are there to help and assist all those in need.”