Yarm School To Host Youth Club Young People With Disabilities

Yarm School is launching a youth club for young people with disabilities.

The charity Phab, which has been established for more than 60 years, aims to inspire and support disabled and non-disabled children, young people and adults to make more of life. Phab Clubs are run by across the country by local volunteers and are aimed at people aged 11 to 18 with disabilities.

Headmaster, Dr Huw Williams and Senior School Teacher, Miss Sophie Hussey are behind the new Phab Club at Yarm School, both of whom have previous experience of being involved in the great work that Phab does. Its aim is to break down community barriers, reduce social isolation and create opportunities for all involved to enjoy the same activities and challenges side by side.

The new Phab Club in Yarm begins on Thursday, 30th September and will be held fortnightly at the School, offering activities such as arts and crafts, board games and table tennis. Parents and guardians will be able to enjoy a coffee in the School’s Atrium with stunning views of the River Tees, while their children socialise with a group of Fourth and Fifth Year (Year 10 and 11) pupils and members of Yarm staff.

Headmaster Huw Williams said: “Yarm School encourages both pupils and staff to become involved in projects that support the wider community.

“Phab is a great initiative that is all about inclusion, having fun together and making new friends and we are delighted to host a Phab club here at school on a regular basis.
“Being involved in Phab is a huge amount of fun and also a powerful learning experience for all involved. Our pupils will develop an empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by those with disabilities, as well as an appreciation of the strength of character, determination and sense of fun that young people with disability have. There is no doubt that this will be a mutually beneficial exercise and we look forward to welcoming new friends to Yarm via the Phab club.”

Sophie Hussey, Teacher at Yarm and lead coordinator of the School’s Phab Club, said: “Pupils have been busy preparing for the club’s launch including coming up with fundraising ideas, learning about disability awareness and more.”

The Phab Club network has 140 branches across England and Wales, which enable 8,000 children, young people and adults, both disabled and non-disabled, to enjoy activities and friendship together.

The Yarm club will meet fortnightly on a Thursday from 4.45pm to 6pm. To register an interest please contact Sophie Hussey on slh@yarmschool.org.