Peter Diley: InterAct

Today’s speaker was Peter Dilley from InterAct, a charity based in Moulsham Mill in Chelmsford (pictured). They manage the Mill on behalf of the trust that owns it

InterAct supports young people, adults and families and carers, focusing on young people with disabilities or additional needs and on training programmes relating to mental health and wellbeing. It runs social activities and trips for groups of young people, which helps them make friends, become more independent and have fun without relying on their parents.

InterAct also helps the young people with practical life skills, social skills and self-confidence.

Among other things, InterAct runs group activities and youth clubs in term time across Essex and, since the pandemic, on Zoom. During school holidays it organises a number of outdoor activities, including for example wall-climbing, Laser Tag and a very popular visit to Colchester Zoo.

It also provides training in Mental Health First Aid, with particular reference to young people and on disability and awareness and inclusion training for youth workers.

Young people with disabilities are themselves given a voice through the POET (Personal Outcomes Evaluation Tool) Challenge, enabling them to explain their priorities to senior managers in education, health and social care in Essex.