“My name’s Violet May, and I was in the care system for four years.”
Growing up, Violet often escaped into television. One of her favourite shows was The Story of Tracy Beaker – about a spirited young girl living in a residential care home. “There were so many similarities between Tracy Beaker and me,” she says. “She used to make up stories about this fantasy life she lived – and it was similar to the world I created in my head. Even though my family wasn’t unsafe, something just didn’t feel right.”
Like many young people entering care, Violet once believed that everyone in the system came from tragedy — but over time she learned that wasn’t true. “Anybody can be care experienced, and we just wouldn’t know. We’re all painted with one massive brush — and that’s a misconception.”
At school, Violet often felt isolated. “I remember being sent out of class, not being invited to parties, not being invited around to people’s houses after school.” Eventually she was placed in a Pupil Referral Unit — an experience that would unexpectedly become a turning point. “I was the only girl there for quite a stretch of time. And actually, I loved it. I ended up sitting my GCSEs in Year 9, which was a massive breakthrough. Everyone who worked there really cared about us.” Though the PRU has since been turned into a barbershop, Violet still carries warm memories of the people who believed in her there.
Building Confidence with Drive Forward
Violet speaks openly about her challenges with mental health and finding stability after leaving care. “I did have a pretty bad experience with child mental health services. I think I could have been saved sooner with the right care and help. I don’t blame anyone, but I believe things could have been different.”
For Violet, stability didn’t come overnight — but connecting with Drive Forward Foundation became a defining step.
“Drive Forward gave me the space to figure out who I wanted to be — not just a care leaver, but a person with dreams and goals. They helped me build my confidence, find work I love, and meet people who understood my story. They didn’t just help me get a job — they helped me believe that I deserved one.”
Now, Violet has found calm and direction. “My life is probably the calmest it’s ever been. I have a great job, beautiful friends, and a flat I love — things I might not have if I wasn’t care experienced. I still have hard days, but I have the tools now.”
Finding Her Voice Through Music
Music has always been Violet’s way of understanding the world. “I remember sitting at a piano as a child, writing songs that reflected what I was going through and how I was feeling.”
Today, she collaborates with other artists, transforming her story into sound. “Being able to share something so personal and use your experiences as art — it’s a beautiful, beautiful thing.”
At sixteen, Violet marked her journey with a tattoo that reads Fearless. “I got it under my skin because I wanted it to be true. I got it on my foot because I knew it wasn’t.” The word later became the title of one of her songs — a reflection on courage, vulnerability, and healing.
“I’m a good person today,” she says softly. “A kind person. I appreciate everything — all the small things. I carry so much gratitude for everyone who’s been part of my journey.”
Violet’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and hope — a reminder that when care-experienced young people are given the right support, they can truly thrive.
At Drive Forward Foundation, we’re proud to have been part of her journey — helping her channel her strength, pursue her ambitions, and discover her fearless self.
