One of the School’s long-standing outreach programmes, Westminster Phab is an annual residential week, designed to create opportunities for children and adults of all abilities to enjoy life together. A team of approximately ten Westminster staff oversee the week and attendee numbers are equally balanced between our guests from the Phab programme and our hosting pupils, most of whom are in the Sixth Form; usually there are around 30 guests and 45 pupil volunteers, but the numbers vary year to year. This mix helps to ensure more balanced and positive integration and also helps to provide suitable care and attention for all participants. All guests are accommodated on site for the duration of the week and receive personal care from the pupil volunteers, with the assistance of a resident nurse, and meals prepared by the School’s in-house catering team.

During the week there are various classes and workshops in Art, Design, Photography, Music, Dance and Drama, and attendees work towards a public show for their families and friends on the final day. Fun evening activities take place throughout the week, including karaoke and a party and formal dinner on the penultimate evening, with lots of music and dancing; outings are also arranged to the theatre, art galleries and other cultural places of interest in London. Westminster Phab aims to enable everyone who participates to develop and explore their talents and potential and, above all, learn to communicate more easily with others.

The Phab week is another area of our community outreach that we engage with financially as well as practically. Thanks to our pupils’ amazing fundraising efforts throughout the school year, we are able to offer the whole week completely free of charge. This is vital in ensuring that a wide range of people are included and able to benefit.

To learn more about Phab as an organisation visit their website or to find out more about the Westminster Phab week specifically please contact phab@westminster.org.uk.