Over the past 2 years, an opera singer from Oldham has been travelling up and down the country in order to help fundraise for the homeless. 

After 6 years of training at The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, it’s safe to say that 40-year old Nicola Mills belongs on the stage. Yet, despite her love of performing, the unassuming Northern performer found herself regularly contending with the notion that she’s simply not good enough. But, rather than let feelings of doubt overcome her, Nicola decided to face her demons head on by taking to the streets to sing.

It wasn’t too long before Nicola’s life began to move in a positive new direction. Soon she realised she was making a difference to people’s lives and started coining the slogan “opera for the people”. Now, 2 years on, Nicola’s been working tirelessly towards taking the posh out of the opera. Armed with her unique song menu, Nicola invites audiences to choose the songs they’d like to hear, stating that she’s there to serve the people and share what she has with others.

The novelty of Nicola’s work has been duly recognised both in and out of the operatic world. Having proudly performed in opera houses across Europe for the past 10 years, from Glyndebourne Festival Opera to the Dutch National Opera, Nicola still makes regular appearances at film festivals, dinner parties and charity events, often working on a donation-only basis. Nicola’s most recent fundraising efforts saw her travel as far as New York to work with youth charities Yopat and SIFH Global.  

Humbled by her working-class origins and an unshakeable desire to help, Nicola also dedicates her time and talents towards raising money for the homeless. Over the past year, Nicola’s been working with charities on a local and international level, such as Staybridge Street Pastors and Sant’Edigio, who both look to improve the quality of life for the homeless and elderly.

Outside of her work with organised charities, Nicola also fundraises independently for the homeless through busking across the UK. In fact, her most recent charitable contribution helped raise £100 for Mark – a homeless man from Hull who, thanks to Nicola’s efforts, is now on the verge of moving into a shared house after nearly 6 months on the street.

Undoubtedly, Nicola has come a long way in those two years. No longer apologising to people when she sings in the street, Nicola now embraces the highs and lows of performing, and has become a standout figure in the community as a result. Nevertheless, even though her singing career is starting to take shape, Nicola remains resolute in her commitments to homeless charities and the sustained well-being of her community.