Singer says thanks to Connexions
A teenage singer songwriter has paid a tuneful tribute to the organisation that helped put her life back on track.
Nafisa Mekki, 17, who’s ambition is to be a professional performer and has sang in front of television’s X-Factor judges, composed and recorded a song which highlights the help she received from the young people’s advice service Connexions while she was living rough in Liverpool.
“I wanted to thank Connexions because I really don’t think I’d be looking ahead to the future today if it wasn’t for them,” said Nafisa, who ran away from home at 16. “Connexions helped me find somewhere to live and also helped me find a new direction in my life through music,” she added.
Now living in a supported accommodation hostel for young people in Dingle, Nafisa is staying on at school studying for her A levels in Performing Arts, Art and Law, although her dream is to become a professional singer songwriter.
Connexions personal adviser Tracey Mansell, who works at Connexions’ Old Swan office, said she has been very touched by the song, entitled “Shivering and Shaking”.
“I deal with a lot of young people who find themselves homeless through all sorts of reasons. So when I heard Nafisa’s song it made me realise that it is possible to make a real difference to a young person’s life by offering support and the right advice. I hope she goes on to be very successful,” she said.
Nafisa, who’s gone on to compose and perform other songs since her Connexions melody, is also rebuilding her personal life.
She has worked closely with Shelter and The Voice Project, delivered by Merseyside Youth Association.
