Mollie, a talented singer from Derby, has faced many difficulties in her 17 years. Living in care. Running away. Being arrested. Becoming a mum. It’s no wonder that getting an education has been a challenge at times.
A music-making project run by Baby People offered her a path back into learning, and she’s seized the opportunity.
“I never really went to school because I suffer with anxiety, so big groups aren’t very good for me,” says Mollie. She was home-educated for several years, but was taken into care aged 12 when family arguments – especially clashes with her dad – made things difficult at home.
Running away from home
Things got worse when two girls who lived in care with Mollie began to bully her. She decided to run away to Birmingham – no-one knew where she was for a week.
“I stayed at a friend’s house, but the people I was hanging around with were stealing cars and selling drugs. Because I was the little innocent girl they’d get me to go and drop drugs off and things like that, so it wasn’t a good environment to be around.”
Mollie was arrested for car theft and drug possession but was let off with a warning. “It was kind of a wake-up call – I decided I need to do something better with my life.”
I didn’t want to be one of those kids that grow up in care, being angry, getting in fights, wrecking my whole future because of a stupid criminal record. So that’s why I started getting involved with music a lot more.
Getting into education through music
Baby People provide young people in and around Derby with the chance to take part in creative activities and to gain qualifications. Many of these young people have struggled in school or college, or have dropped out altogether.
But they all have a passion for music and the arts which is shared by Baby People’s staff. This helps form trusting relationships, and creates an environment where young people can enjoy learning new skills – as well as core subjects like Maths and English – in a way that works for them.
Mollie first encountered Baby People when they visited her care home offering music-making activities for the young residents. She’s always loved music, especially R&B.
“When I was growing up I didn’t really express myself a lot at home,” she says. “I couldn’t really tell people how I felt. I started writing songs to put down my thoughts. I like writing – it can take a lot of things off your mind.”
Watch
The BBC made this brilliant animated version of Mollie’s story for Music Day 2017.
A role model for others
Living in care meant Mollie was moving around a lot, which initially made it difficult for her to commit to the project. But once Baby People gave her the opportunity to work towards her Key Stage 3 qualifications, she was determined to turn up to the studios every week.
Baby People have been there to support Mollie throughout her journey, including when she became pregnant aged 15. “I can’t explain how great they were,” she says. “They talked me through all my options. When I was a bit too big to come in, they let me finish my work at home.”
Mollie is now Baby People’s longest-serving participant. She’s gained four C-grade GCSEs including Maths and English; Arts Awards; and is working on a college-level qualification which will enable her to start a foundation course in music and performing arts at university next year.
“Mollie’s done remarkably,” says Julian, Education Director at Baby People. “She was pretty much set to achieve no GCSEs. She wasn’t in an environment where she could even sit them. She’s a good role model now for some of the other young people in the building. Her life might have been completely different.”
Growing in confidence
Alongside her academic achievements, Mollie’s learnt to record and perform all sorts of different styles of music. Working in groups with other young people at Baby People has helped Mollie overcome some of her anxiety.
“I’m getting used to bigger group sizes. That’s the only reason why I thought uni might be possible for me. A couple of years ago I never would have been able to do it.”
She’s sung live on numerous occasions, including a special performance for staff from Derbyshire County Council (who were suitably impressed). She’s actively involved in the wider arts too, as part of a writing group for a theatre project.
Baby People co-founder Baby J says: “Mollie’s matured so much and she’s so confident now compared to how she was. She realised her skills and her passion for her music and her art were of real value, and I think it changed her perception of herself and where she could go.”
A second home
Mollie’s now living independently, balancing her studies with looking after her 18-month old daughter. Mollie’s mum helps out with childcare, and Mollie says that living apart has actually helped the two of them get on better.
“Baby People is my second home,” adds Mollie. “The tutors are there for you no matter who you are. We can get a bit hyper and loud but we’re teenagers and we’re having fun. We know that we can just be ourselves here.”
We’re all different but because we all love music, it’s just one big family.