How Skilled Volunteering Helped a Police Officer Answer a Different Call

Impact Story by Skilled Volunteer | Kimberly Ong

When asked about the impact Skilled Volunteering has had on Emil’s life, he says: “It gave me an enormous feeling of wellbeing having done that.” After years in the public service, Emil, a freelance graphic designer, was looking for a way to continue giving back – this time through his growing passion for design.

Through Link UP, Emil supported Zen Laughter, a South London-based organisation working across boroughs to support unpaid carers and older people in the community. They also collaborate with corporate teams to reduce workplace stress, improve team dynamics and boost well-being through laughter-based workshops.

Emil helped develop a fresh brand identity with a new logo, giving the small charity access to professional design support that will have a lasting impact, while gaining valuable hands-on experience.

We spoke to Emil about his motivations for Skilled Volunteering, his rediscovered creativity, and what might come next for him.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your professional background?

I’ve worked as a police officer for over 20 years, having joined in my early 20s before I really understood what I wanted from a career or where my interests lay.

A few years ago, I was in Mexico travelling and met so many cool people from different walks of life. Someone I was talking to mentioned that he works with logo designers, and a little spark went off in my head. I’ve always loved the concept of logos, the idea of conveying a message through a simple piece of design. That idea stayed with me. After a while, I thought, maybe this is something I could learn to do. So I did a few courses through an online school and soon started designing for friends who had their own businesses.

At this stage of life, I knew that if I wanted to work professionally in design, I would have to completely start over again, which I wasn’t really looking to do. So I’m just happy to do pro bono work, just for the love of it, really — that’s how I found Link UP and began volunteering as a designer.

What made you decide to get involved in Skilled Volunteering?

It was very much twofold. I love the idea of helping small and medium-sized charities. These charities that Link UP works with are ones that need the most help. They need the spotlight and are not like major world charities that have millions in their marketing budgets.

On a personal level, it’s an opportunity for me to flex my design skills. I’ve had a lot of creative energy that for decades, I didn’t get to use. Skilled Volunteering has allowed me to do that and strengthen my portfolio. Link UP and these charities have given me the opportunity to finally explore design in a meaningful way.

What have you discovered about yourself or your skills through your project with Zen Laughter?

I got the chance to learn what a professional client relationship really looks like. Working with Jaycee at Zen Laughter taught me a lot about collaboration in the design process. The final design very much reflects her personality — Zen Laughter is her baby, and she cares deeply about it. Seeing how much the design mattered to her was really rewarding. I genuinely feel like I gave her something she really cherished.

Has Skilled Volunteering had an impact on you and your life?

It gave me an enormous feeling of wellbeing having done that.

I’m at a stage in my life where I’m thinking about my next steps. Knowing that I’ve done this, in which I built a professional relationship with a client where she was so happy with my work and the professional relationship we built up, has given me the confidence to think, yeah, maybe I can make it outside the role I’ve been in for 20 years.

If someone wants to see my work, I don’t even have to share my portfolio. People can simply google Zen Laughter and you’ll see my logo. It’s real, visible work. It shows me as a person who wants to work and that I do design work as a volunteer. This can only support me moving forward.

What would you say to others who are thinking of getting involved in Skilled Volunteering?

If you’re thinking about doing it, you won’t regret it. There can only be benefits to you, to your community, and to you professionally and personally.

Additionally, there’s no pressure from Link UP. They set out rough deadlines but those are flexible, they take into account that you have a life and day job outside of this. It’s very much a nurturing environment.