Meet Melissa

What are your interests and hobbies?
Spoken word, content creation, reading and writing about politics, black identity, fashion and shopping.

How long have you been coming to Lift?
About five years ago my Mum's friend who came to Lift brought me along and then my sisters mentor took me to a cooking session. I have been coming regularly ever since.

What do you do at Lift?
I have done all the cooking courses, Steps to Womanhood programme, Lift Voices singing group and podcasting. I have done lots in Summerversity like propmaking with the Indigo Project and Social Media and Trainer and T-Shirt design with Franklin Boateng. I have also taken part in lots of personal and social development workshops and consulations.

How has Lift helped you?
I was very shy and withdrawn when I first came here and now I can't stop talking! It's really increased my confidence and given me contacts and a network. Youth workers have also introduced me to a different career path - I saw how I could work in the community as a profession. I have now been a grantmaker with Islington Giving and also been a youth councillor with Islington Council. I have been given media experience - I was interviewed by Vanessa Feltz for a BBC radio programme.

What is the most important thing you have learnt at Lift?
Believe in yourself. I have been on a journey here. Trust the process!

What is the most fun you have ever had?
Summers in the outdoor kitchen. Laughing with Judith, Sharon and Dionne - memories that you hold.

What would you say to a young person that has never been here before?
Come - you are going to meet some amazing people, gain so much experience and have lots of fun and good food.

What do you hope to be doing in three years’ time?
I hope to have a stable community-based job that I enjoy. I want to publish my poems and do some work with the council around Black History Month.

How is Lift helping you get there?
I recently started the FirstWorks programme here - a job that involves learning all aspects of customer service and running the building. Lift is also providing me with a platform - for example recenlty I took part in a Q&A with Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE. Watch this space, I will send a link when it is broadcast.