Creating a digital team from scratch

Yara is an experienced product designer skilled in user research and creating and delivering end-to-end digital experiences. She joined ELWP in early January 2025. She was one of a number of people who responded to an opportunity posted on Reach Volunteering for a User Experience Research volunteer. 

Now, within just a few months, she is leading a team of volunteers to deliver a new website platform that will serve as a central hub for volunteers, the community, and stakeholders to connect, explore ongoing projects, learn about the ELWP’s story. Yara tells us about her volunteer experience: 

“I wasn’t new to volunteering as I was already doing a mentoring role that I found through Reach Volunteering, but I wanted to find an opportunity to use my skills and experience and be helpful in a practical way.  

“I have a strong interest in the social environment, improving public spaces and empowering communities. So when I saw that ELWP was looking for user researchers, it felt like the perfect opportunity.  

“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first started and I found it helpful to go in without too many expectations. I spent time attending meetings and reading documents to understand what was happening and see where I could be most useful. There were a number of projects where my skills could be beneficial, but the one that stood out to me was the development of a new website.  

“It was something that people knew was needed, but there wasn’t really any resource or structured approach to how to deliver it. Given my experience working with digital products, I suggested organising a team and creating a delivery road map. 

Creating a new team 

“Using software boards to co-ordinate and manage the work that needs to be done, I’ve been bringing together a team of designers and developers to deliver the project. The volunteers can choose how they want to contribute and it’s going really well. I can see everyone collaborating and doing the work together and it’s so rewarding to see the project moving forward even at this early stage.  

“I’m working with the team in a similar way as I have in my professional roles. I’ve replicated the professional environment in how the work is organised across each phase of design and development and I believe this is important for some of the less-experienced members of the team. It gives them opportunities to learn and I find it really rewarding to share what I know to help others grow personally and professionally.  

“It’s been a great learning experience for me too. People who volunteer have a different mindset compared to those in paid work - they are there because they want to be and I’ve enjoyed adapting the way I work and communicate with them.

Doing something with significance

“The work that we are doing will enable ELWP to present itself in a more professional way and improve its engagement with the community, schools, supporters and other partners. It’s great to contribute to something that will bring significant benefits both to the organisation and the community in the London area. 

“My advice to someone thinking of volunteering would be to find a project they really feel a connection to and want to be involved with. I believe it’s important for the role you choose to align with you and your goals and interests. Take your motivation from the cause and the added benefits of professional and personal growth will be a bonus.  

“I’d also say that it’s important to go in with the right mentality. Don’t expect too much too soon. Be curious, proactive and take time to find out what is going on. Have patience and be prepared to adapt and overcome challenges. If you can do this, you stand to gain so much from volunteering.  

“I’d definitely recommend the Reach Volunteering platform as a way of finding opportunities. You can search for the type of causes you’re interested in and the roles you want to do and I particularly like that you’re able to chat to organisations through the platform. 

“Volunteering has definitely been a positive experience for me and I would encourage others to use Reach to explore opportunities and give them a try. Volunteering can be an enriching experience both personally and for the community you’re part of.”