The history of Phab

The idea of Phab was born during a National Association of Youth Clubs holiday conference, held in 1957 at Avon Tyrrell outdoor activity centre in the New Forest. The conference was for young people aged between 15 and 18 and included a young disabled man called Terry Rolfe who asked for “opportunity, not pity for disabled people”, and that they should be given a chance to share in a programme of exciting activities on equal terms with non-disabled people.

This heartfelt request led to the foundation of Phab, first as part of the National Association of Youth Clubs and, from 1974, as an independent charity with the late Lord Snowdon as our Patron.

From those early days, Phab benefited enormously from the active help and support of the late Lord Morris of Manchester, at the time Alf Morris MP for Manchester Wythenshawe, whose work led to the first disability rights legislation; the 1970’s Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, who became the UK's first minister for disabled people in 1974.

From there Phab grew to provide the network of Phab Clubs that span England and Wales today, and hold Phab Adventures where disabled and non-disabled people get to fulfil Terry Rolfe’s ambition of taking part in all manner of exciting and challenging activities together. There’s even more Phabulous plans in the pipeline, keeping Terry’s dream alive in the 21st century.

The Trustees of Phab consist of both representatives from the different Regions and also Trustees with a mix of Phab Club leadership, business and management skills.

Phab’s President since 2016 is the well-known and much-loved actress Anita Dobson.

Baroness Campbell of Surbiton, DBE, a passionate campaigner and adviser for disability reforms, is our Vice President.