Samir’s story

Asylum Link Merseyside is an organisation based in Liverpool, providing support to asylum seekers and refugees. Our music therapist Lizzie delivers music therapy at the centre, where she met Samir*. Read his story, below.

A life full of judgement

In life, I have often been interrupted and faced with judgement. They made me feel weak and destroyed my confidence, but now I think it’s time to speak and share my emotion through music.

Samir

Music has always been an important part of Samir’s life. He wrote and performed music with his friends, and it brought him excitement, passion and hope in life.

But all that was turned upside down.

Samir came to the UK in 2021. He was completely alone, seeking asylum after fleeing his home country of Azerbaijan. He spent a year in the asylum system where he faced issues with getting somewhere to stay and or money to buy food. All things we take for granted. This severely impacted his mental health, and he often felt unsafe, lonely and isolated. And losing music, his true passion, was really difficult for him.

Eventually, Samir went to Asylum Link Merseyside for support. He told the casework team about his past as a musician. There was a Nordoff and Robbins music therapist working there, so they referred him to Lizzie.

“The first time we met for a session, Asylum Link Merseyside kindly offered to lend Samir a guitar. He told me it was the first time he had touched a musical instrument since arriving in the UK a year before. Over time, we built a strong relationship based on making music together.” said music therapist Lizzie.

Music therapy “gives me excitement, passion and hope” says Samir. It’s built his confidence back up, improved his mental health, and helped him to be part of the local music community. Samir is now performing around Liverpool, sharing his own music and music from Azerbaijan. He’s even helping other people to learn the guitar, giving them a chance to access and benefit from music.

I think that Samir’s journey has been inspiring for others. Seeing him play in group sessions has brought people a lot of joy.

Lizzie, music therapist

*Name has been changed to protect the person’s anonymity.

Pictured: Chiedu Oraka visits Asylum Link Merseyside in Liverpool (Samir not pictured). Chiedu will perform at the Northern Music Awards 2025, and is shortlisted for the Newcomer of the Year Award.

Cover image credits: Ahmed Nadi