Ali’s story

Music therapy helped Ali, an Iranian refugee, cope with the anxiety of his asylum application, make meaningful connections and rebuild his focus and confidence.

In 2017, Ali had flee his home in Iran. He feared for his life, after facing severe persecution. Escaping was the only way for him to retain any hope for the future, but it came with a heavy price. “When I first arrived, I felt so lost and lonely,” says Ali. “Life was so difficult that I even thought about suicide, because I missed my home and my family so much.”

Ali first heard about Nordoff and Robbins at the Croydon Refugee Day Centre which he was attending. He jumped at the opportunity of having music therapy, and never missed a drop-in session. Over time, our music therapist Kerry got to know Ali well. She discovered his huge passion for playing electric guitar and for heavy metal – a genre of music outlawed by the Iranian regime.

“In the beginning of our work together, Ali was understandably very anxious that his application for asylum was going to be rejected and that he would have to return to a country where he was experiencing persecution,” says Kerry. “His distress was reflected in his music making – he found it hard to concentrate.” 

Through music, Kerry was able to help Ali experience a sense of meaningful connection. This increased his focus and also helped to reduce the isolation he felt from being alone in the UK. Kerry fostered Ali’s passion for music, giving him access to an electric guitar, and the opportunity to make music together.

At first this wasn’t easy, as Ali explains:

I felt constantly anxious and worried that I would not be accepted for asylum, and be sent back to Iran, where I would be persecuted. But soon, in music I started to feel more focused and confident. I was finally able to express myself in the way I had always wanted to – letting go of my fears and worries.

Ali

Over time, Ali and Kerry began working on arrangements of songs he loved. Ali recieved an invitation to play at a concert during Refugee Week, then again at a Nordoff and Robbins concert later that same summer. These were hugely positive experiences. Kerry says, “It was fantastic seeing so many members of the audience come up to him afterwards to compliment him on his playing, and to see the change in his confidence as a result.”

Music has given Ali the opportunity to connect with others, and be valued in doing so. In a situation where Ali felt like he didn’t have a voice, music gave him the chance to be heard.

Ali still misses his family every day, but now there is hope and a plan for the future. Ali obtained his refugee status and was subsequently able to resume his studies which he had been forced to abandon when he fled Iran. Now, he works in the UK. 

Ali spoke at a Nordoff and Robbins event about his experience: “What I went through will leave its mark,” he says. “But I am not here for you to cry. I am here to tell you how powerful music is. I have got to where I am thanks to Kerry and Nordoff and Robbins. And it is thanks to everyone supporting the charity that people like me get to re-build our lives with the help of music.”