Marlow’s Story: From Volunteer to Award-Winner and Filmmaker
Meet Marlow, 17 going on 30, a college student currently studying economics, with a passion for film and editing. When he first joined Wot Wud U Do as a volunteer a few months ago, it was simply to get behind a camera and build his creative skills. But what unfolded has been far more powerful than either of us expected.
Back then, we were both struck by how few meaningful opportunities existed for young people like Marlow to explore their interests and talents. So, together, we started building something, a marketing plan that could not only help him develop hands-on experience, but also raise awareness of Wot Wud U Do’s mission in the process.
At Wot Wud U Do, everything starts with lived experience. We challenged Marlow to create a blog about a topic close to his heart, something he not only understood deeply but also believed more people needed to talk about. Having been diagnosed with additional needs and having struggled through mainstream school, he bravely chose to write about his experiences with bullying. You can read his heartfelt and honest blog here.
But Marlow didn’t stop there.
He quickly became part of the team, supporting the creation of a series of street interview videos where members of the public were asked, “Wot Wud U Do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” Marlow took an active role in both filming and editing, helping shape the content and bring real voices and honest conversations to life on screen.
Through this work, Marlow’s confidence and skills grew, and his contribution was recognised when he received the University of Central Lancashire’s Community Volunteer of the Year Award. This award celebrated not just the quality of his creative work, but the commitment, growth, and positive impact he had made through his volunteering.
Building on this foundation, Marlow then went on to lead one of his most important projects: Through Our Eyes, an interactive film exploring the impact of bullying. Drawing on his own lived experiences of navigating mainstream education with additional needs, Marlow helped shape the narrative, guide the creative direction, and work alongside other young people to ensure the film reflected authentic voices and real experiences.
The project became a powerful piece of youth-led storytelling, giving young people a platform to share their perspectives and encouraging wider conversations around bullying, empathy, and inclusion. The final work was shared publicly and continues to be used as a tool to engage and support young people.
As part of his journey, Marlow also presented at the Encounter Festival, speaking confidently in front of an audience of over 50 people. He shared the story behind his work, the process of creating Through Our Eyes, and what it meant to him to use film as a way of expressing lived experience and helping others.
Marlow’s journey demonstrates what can happen when young people are trusted with responsibility, given space to develop their interests, and supported to lead. What began as a volunteer placement grew into a pathway of creativity, leadership, public speaking, and award-winning impact.
From street interviews to award recognition, from behind the camera to standing on stage, Marlow’s progression shows the power of opportunity when matched with belief, support, and purpose.