This year has been designated as the United Nations International Year of Volunteers - and the IYV2001 initiative is being led locally by the Chelmsford Agency for Volunteering. Anne Fitzgerald reports on one of Chelmsford's leading charities, InterAct, which is currently appealing for more volunteers.

An innovative project called Circles of Support has been launched by the Chelmsford-based charity InterAct.

The aim is to give vital support to young people with learning disabilities through the challenging time of transition from school life into adulthood.

The idea of building a strong system of support around such young people aged 14 to 22 at a crucial time was devised by Ron Overton, InterAct's director for learning disability.

He said: "Most of us are fortunate enough to have our own circle of support around us, with people we can rely on when we need them.

"Imagine not having this type of support at a difficult time. Young people with learning disabilities often have most of their friends and support based in their school environment.

"When they come to the end of their school life they face the daunting prospect of leaving what is familiar and people they know do care about them to tackle life without that support. Circles of Support can make all the difference at a really crucial time.

"It gives young people with learning disabilities the chance to participate in society and to achieve their personal ambitions - things that many of us take for granted."

More than 30 volunteers have already been recruited to help the pilot scheme take off for Chelmsford and the surrounding area, but more volunteers are needed so that a full complement of circles can be established around the county.

The circles will contain volunteers including those of the same age group as the young people receiving support. There will also be older volunteers to provide an extra dimension and experience and InterAct staff will also be fully involved.

Project co-ordinator Peter Dilley carefully matches volunteers with the needs, interests and aspirations of the young people with disabilities and circle members help the young people to gain more confidence and independence and expand their skills and horizons.

"I have been so impressed with the enthusiasm of volunteers and they can gain satisfaction themselves from knowing they have made a real difference to the lives of the young people they are helping," said Peter.

Colette Bryce, volunteer co-ordinator for InterAct said: "Volunteers are really fundamental to our work - we could not function without them."

There are many situations where volunteers can give support, ranging from an outing to a swimming pool or shopping to an open day at a college to explore educational opportunities.

Volunteers, who are asked to give about five hours of their time each month, can use the project to gain the community service section of Duke of Edinburgh awards and the voluntary work can also be a valuable addition to a CV.

Local schools and churches have already given some vital backing to the scheme, with students coming forward to be volunteers and churches providing premises for the circles to meet. Funding to run the project comes from health and social services - and volunteers are paid any reasonable expenses.

As the project takes place out in the community volunteering hours do not have to clash with education or work commitments.

Ron Overton believes that Circles of Support could be used as a blueprint for similar schemes to be set up on a countywide or even national basis.

"At the moment we are based in and around Chelmsford, but in the long term the sky is the limit," said Ron.

About InterAct

InterAct was established in 1992 and registered as a charity in 1995. Based at the historic Moulsham Mill in Parkway, Chelmsford, InterAct is concerned with the needs of disadvantaged people in the local community and overseas.

As well as schemes to support people with learning disabilities, InterAct also runs a series of programmes aimed at helping people with mental health problems to take up work or education.

The charity currently has 28 members of staff and 80 volunteers - but at least 40 more volunteers will be needed over the next few months. Volunteers can be any age from 16 upwards - there is no maximum age limit.

InterAct currently has a stand at Chelmsford Central Library which will be on display until March 26 to highlight the need for volunteers.

Anyone who would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer for Circles of Support or any other InterAct project can call 01245 608205 or 608250.

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