Nicki’s WAM Youth story

Because we’re more than just merchandise! 

We’re a tight-knit bunch here at Fluid and are always looking out for each other. We love supporting our local communities, and we love to champion those that make Fluid such a wonderful place to work. 

With that in mind, we give each member of our team two paid volunteer days a year. This allows them to go and do good whenever they can. We want to encourage our team to get involved with raising funds or volunteering for causes or charities that they feel passionate about, especially when it’s so close to their hearts. 

Nicki White, our London Senior Merchandise Director, spent her two days volunteering this year at a local charity called WAM Youth. Her task: helping to establish a handmade wooden classroom.

Who are WAM Youth?

Set in acres of woodland, WAM (We All Matter) is a voluntary organisation that runs a variety of projects and services to build and strengthen positive and supportive relationships within the community.

WAM Youth exists because they believe every child and young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential in life whatever their circumstances or life experiences.

They believe that positive relationships and experiences are essential for young people but are, unfortunately, not always accessible to them. 

They value children and young people as individuals and place them at the centre of what they do.

And Nicki was eager to help in any way she could! 

Nicki’s story

Why did you choose to volunteer at the amazing WAM Youth? 

“Each year I like to take Fluid up on their offer of 2 paid volunteering days and this year I decided to keep it local! I contacted Tara at WAM Youth, the outdoor learning manager, and she was more than happy for me to spend a couple of days helping in the forest.

On a personal note, a big part of the last year for my family and I has been ensuring our youngest son receives an education health care plan (EHCP) for when he starts mainstream school in September. 

Not every child enjoys or feels comfortable at school and not every child has extra support in place, so it felt even better to be able to give back to a charity that’s very close to my heart.”  

What’s your favourite thing about WAM Youth? 

“WAM Youth offers 1:1 support in an alternative provision project, suited to young people who struggle to access mainstream education.  

They offer them a chance to work towards the AQA Unit Award Scheme which is great for students who have an interest in the outdoors and who’ll benefit from a mentoring-style approach to education. 

Sessions can include butchery, axe and knife work, shelter building, fire, animal track traps, outdoor kitchens/cooking, wilderness living, woodland art, and lots more!” 

What did you get up to during your volunteering?

“A lot! I spent the majority of my time shovelling topsoil (donated by a local business) into tyres (also donated!) to prepare for planting plants that’ll make the exterior of the new classroom super pretty. It was hard work but totally worth it! 

Before the rain set in, Tara took me for a tour of the different areas within the woodland. She shared that the charity uses as much as they can from the land to create these amazing areas and rely on donations and grants for any extra materials. There’s even a hand-built toilet on site!”

Was there a particular moment that stood out to you? 

“Tara and I spoke about some of their successes and it was amazing to hear such positive stories. 

In particular, not too far from the main site, there’s an area with an outdoor chess set that was hand carved by a young person who the charity was helping. This young person was able to discover a hidden talent they may have never unearthed otherwise - all thanks to WAM Youth! That really stuck with me.”

What did you learn from your volunteer experience with WAM Youth? 

“I’m so grateful to Fluid for the opportunity to volunteer. It's so important to take a step out from your day-to-day to learn about things you wouldn't normally think about. 

What I learnt was that not every child has a safe home life. Not every child is understood or has the support network they need to succeed. Not every child is held and loved. 

But, thanks to charities like WAM Youth, every child is given an opportunity to find their passion and are supported to succeed with their goals. 

It was a truly fantastic and heart-warming experience that I’ll remember fondly.” 

Make every moment monumental

We’re here to help you and our team dream big. 

Whether that’s through meaningful merchandise or helping the communities we love. 

We’re all about making a big, beautiful, positive impact whenever we can! 

To find out more about the amazing WAM Youth, check out their website for more insight into what they do and how you can help. 

Interested in making your brand monumental, too? Get in touch to chat with your dedicated merchandise consultant today.