Teen singer-songwriter shines a light on homelessness this Christmas
14-year-old Niamh Noade is raising money for the Simon Community
Teen Harpist and singer songwriter Niamh Noade, a recent finalist in the Irish Junior Eurovision Contest, aims to shine a light on the work of the Simon Community this Christmas with her own Charity Single.
The song, penned by 14-year-old Niamh from Lislea in County Armagh,, entitled ‘A Christmas Wish’, with a harp accompaniment (also composed by Niamh) and she hopes it will help raise money for NI’s largest Homeless Charity.
Niamh explains: “It’s a view of two sides of Christmas - from the perspective of a child looking forward to the magic of Christmas at home and a child who has nowhere to call home, so the Simon Community felt really appropriate as the beneficiary charity. I really hope people enjoy my song and they are able to donate, even a small amount, to help the Simon Community deliver services to more people in need,” Niamh added.
Homelessness has risen by 25% since 2010 and the Simon Community work across Northern Ireland to provide Adult and Junior Support Services and Family Accommodation, a Helpline, Drug and Alcohol support as well a Women’s Advocacy.
The 3rd year student in St Paul’s High School in Bessbrook has had a whirlwind year, just last month getting to the final three from 4,000 entrants the Irish Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Earlier this year Niamh was a finalist in the NI BBC Soloist of the Year Finalist, was a County Scór winner and is the current Armagh County title holder. Last year she wrote two of her own songs and compiled a charity CD raising £5,000 for Children’s Cancer charities.
Niamh said: “When I finished the Junior Eurovision I had a chance to reflect on everything. I am really looking forward to a family Christmas after a really busy year, doing something I really love, but I know that’s not the case for everyone. I was reflecting on Christmas for families in Ukraine as well as those closer to home, those struggling to pay for bills and people who’ve become homeless.
“I’ve been so fortunate to work with Irish music artist Luan Parle who contacted me after I performed one of her songs for the Junior Eurovision. She was amazing support when I was writing this, helping me with structure and approach. I want to do what I can to help the Simon Community and that’s what the song is about, a Christmas wish, for a better Christmas for everyone.”
For more information, follow Niamh on Facebook and Instagram as ‘The Girl with the Harp’.
You can donate to Niamh’s ‘Christmas Wish’ for the Simon Community here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/a-christmas-wish