The “outstanding work`’ of young people from Derry involved with YouthAction Northern Ireland has been showcased at an event in Westminster hosted SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan.
Foyle MP Mark Durkan with George Mullen and Laura Murphy.
The event showcased the charity’s success in unlocking the potential of young people and tackling inequalities in Northern Ireland.
Mr Durkan said: MPs and others present were struck by the range and qualities of YouthAction’s programmes and the strength of their experience and insight.
He added: “The most compelling impressions came from the young people who explained their experience with YouthAction and the transformative impact of the opportunities which opened for them. They acknowledged past adversary but stressed their ambition for themselves and their community.
“I was particularly proud of the two young people from my own constituency who were really impressive and effective.
“They proved their own character and spirit, and were compelling witnesses for the value of supportive interventions for those who might otherwise be struggling with big challenges and few choices.”
Mr Durkan congratulated local young people George Mullen and Laura Murphy after they spoke about the realities of being an unemployed young person and shared stories of their struggles and triumphs. Both were participants in The Positive Solutions Project which is supported by the Big Lottery Fund and Department of Foreign Affairs Anti-Sectarianism Fund.
June Trimble, from YouthAction Northern Ireland. said: “We are delighted that Mark Durkan provided us with this unique opportunity to showcase our charity’s work across Northern Ireland. It gave young people a platform to have their voice heard at the House of Commons.”
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