It's been a busy year for Phab Adventures! We had our first Phab Adventure back at the beginning of April, but since then have had another adventure back in May! On the 12-14th May weekend, 9 families travelled from Bristol, Wales, Lancashire, Stoke on Trent and London; to join us at Bendrigg Trust for a weekend of fun inclusive outdoor activities. The sun was shining over our weekend where we enjoyed canoeing, climbing, archery and more, and whilst it was a new experience everyone got stuck in for an incredible time. A massive thank you as always to the wonderful volunteer team giving up their weekends too, we could not do without you! This is what some of the families had to say. “Being able to access the same activities and the chance to spend time as a family has been amazing” “We have enjoyed the help from all the Phab staff and volunteers. Everyone is equal here and my child can go off and play without me feeling stressed or worried about where he is. We really appreciated the judgement free environment” “I have observed some fantastic benefits… the inclusiveness of all the activities and the chance to challenge herself. Her confidence has definitely grown this weekend” If you're also interested in attending, or even volunteering at our 2024 Phab Adventures, head to our Adeventures page for more details on how to get involved. Our next Phab Adventure's started on the 29th July, and don't finish until the 21st of August! We are hosting three weeks of back to back adventures between our two fantastic locations Bendrigg Trust and Avon Tyrrell, so be sure to follow us on our social media pages to see what they get up too! You can find all our links below. Bring on the rest of Summer! Facebook Instagram Twitter (X) LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
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Please take a read of our Summer Newsletter! In our latest Newsletter, we learn about the new Phab Rebrand and what it means for Phab; as well as taking a look at the recent and upcoming Phab Adventures, including the recent Flying Days with Freedom in the Air. We find out more about Phab's Challenge Events and learn about New Phab Groups, as well as protecting a disabled or vulnerable person with a Trust in your Will. Finally, we finish on looking at Holidays with Revitalise, Phab Club News, details about the Phab Lottery and Phab's Holiday Home.
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“Opportunity, not pity for disabled people” Phab is celebrating its 66th year of existence. What initially began in 1957 as a small charity has now evolved into a national provider of services and initiatives. Our services were designed to work towards our founding ethos of bringing together disabled and non-disabled people on equal terms to make more of life together. A period of transition and change The last few years has brought about a period of significant change for the organisation, a new era if you will. With the appointment of Mik Scarlet & Dawn Vickers as Co-CEOs came an exciting opportunity to assess where Phab stands in today’s world. Addressing the important question… how can we ensure that we’re meeting the needs of disabled people today, tomorrow and beyond? “Working with Dawn is a real pleasure as we share the desire to create an inclusive world and to use Phab as an example to the charity sector and the wider society of what is possible. To be leading Phab together to take the legacy of Phab’s 65 years of providing inclusion into the 21st century is a pinnacle of my rather varied and exciting career.” Mik Scarlet A new direction with the same core values Phab’s decision to rebrand aims to reaffirm the mission and vision of Phab and reinvigorate its identity to be more in line with the needs of disabled people in today’s world. Developed alongside industry experts, our rebrand is so much more than just a new logo. It has been a vital step forwards with changes reflecting the spirit, commitment and future goals of the organisation, whilst also acknowledging all that it has stood for over these past 66 years. On the 6th and 7th July, we headed to the ExCeL London for the UK’s leading person-focused event for people with lived experience of disability; Disability Expo. This was a huge exhibition filled with lots of incredible charities, businesses and groups all networking, hosting performances, interviews, offering activities and so much more. Here we were very excited to finally unveil all our new branding, be that in person to a plethora of different organisations, but also virtually via social media, as well as showcasing our brand new website. The rebrand is an opportunity for Phab to open up to new ideas and continue providing meaningful, more user-led services to work to build an inclusive world. Thriving together. Stronger together. Our promise is our blueprint for creating the inclusive society and leaders of tomorrow. We put The Social Model of Disability at the centre of everything we do. This is because every day, disabled people everywhere overcome barriers to participating in society and accessing many things that non-disabled people take for granted. By removing these barriers and working together, we believe that this benefits both disabled people and society more widely. We also put our experience and know-how to support other organisations to do the same. “By placing the Social Model of Disability at the heart of everything Phab does, we will be developing a way of working that is adaptive and accessible for all, disabled or not.” Julia Giles, Chair Learn, Thrive & Belong These 3 pillars are at the heart of everything we do. “I'm thrilled to be working with Mik and Team Phab to drive these exciting changes, which reflect what we all want to see in Society, where inclusion is the norm, where compassion and kindness are Superpowers and where there is no place EVER for discrimination. Phab is a change-maker, enabling people of all ages to unlock their potential to learn, thrive and belong. To be leading that change alongside Mik and our colleagues is a true privilege and I’m so proud and excited to be involved”. Dawn Vickers Phab Clubs – A space for everyone We’re the UK’s favourite local members’ club network for disabled and non-disabled people. At Phab, being yourself is celebrated, it’s where everyone gets involved. We create a space where people feel safe, equal and valued. Mini Phab – Relax and play We believe children should all have the chance to play together. Mini Phab is our inclusive parent and toddler group for disabled and non-disabled children aged 0 to 5 years. It's a space of fun and friendship, where families of all kinds can relax together. Phab Adventures – Boosting confidence and self-esteem We’ve seen that with the right support around them, anyone can smash the expectations that have been set for them by society. Once people experience what they can achieve, with a little support, it has a huge knock-on effect. They get a big confidence and self-esteem boost that they carry forward into every aspect of their lives. Phab Supporters - Work with us towards our mission of building an inclusive world Together is how we change the world! Imagine a world where everyone is celebrated, everyone belongs and gets involved. Where everyone feels safe, accepted and valued for who they are. A world where no one is isolated or told ‘no’ or ‘never’ because of the barriers society puts in their way. That’s Phab! We are not just imagining this world, we’re building it! One friendship, one club at a time. Because a better world is a more inclusive world. Phab exists to break down barriers that exist in society and create opportunities for everyone to follow their dreams and aspirations! With the help of our amazing supporters, whether they are fundraising by taking part in our challenge events, donating directly, supporting and volunteering at your local Phab Clubs or at our Phab Adventures, we’ll build the inclusive society of tomorrow. Want to find out more about Phab, your local Phab Club or any of the adventures Phab put on? Take a look through ur website, and follow our rebrand launch on social media. Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
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Val Conway, who guided and supported Aberconwy Phab Club for nearly four decades, attended the coronation of King Charles III on May 6th. Val, 79, was in attendance at Westminster Abbey on the Saturday and we made sure that she was able to stay overnight in London and enjoy her weekend with her fiancee. Val said: “It was absolutely fabulous. We had a fantastic few days, from start to finish, but the coronation was amazing. I was sat in The Quire aisle, just around the corner from where he was being crowned, and it was just so awesome to be there. I saw lots of people – Rishi Sunak, Lionel Richie… Lionel Richie touched me on the shoulder and said: ‘Well, hello!’ to me!” She was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List after being nominated by Aberconwy Phab and attended the Queen’s garden party last May. She was one of only 45 BEMs to be invited to the coronation. Back home, she’s even had her own coronation of a kind, being dubbed “The Queen of Llandudno”! We’d like to congratulate Val on this latest honour and salute her forty years of work and inspiration.
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Run for Phabkids in the TCS London Marathonon Sunday 21st April 2024 Places are available now with us - sign up HERE No deposit or up-front payment Please read our terms and conditions HERE Minimum pledge £1850 (excluding Gift Aid). We welcome overseas applications, please contact Janine Williams - janine@phabkids.co.uk When you join, our team we will provide you with: Regular e-mail training plans Exclusive Phabkids running group (via Facebook) with lots of advice Free Phabkids Hi-Tec running vest Great incentives for smashing your target and raising £3000+ Monthly zoom meetings with fellow Phabkids team members After-race meet-and-greet in private, walled area of St James's Park
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Welcome to the new Phab Lottery! We're so excited to bring you a new way to supportour work and for you to win cash prizes too! The Phab Lottery gives you the chance to win£1,000 plus other cash prizes every week! Download the Lottery Form here Just print, sign and post the form and you'll be inwith a chance to win, whilst supporting our life-changing work.It costs £1 per week to enter and you will be given10 chances in the draw. If you want to increase yourchances of winning you can have more than oneentry. Your Support is Vital Over the past 65 years we have changed the livesof thousands of disabled people and their families.We need your support to continue to deliver Phab'slife-changing opportunities and challenge theperceptions about disability in Society. Since 1957,Phab remains a pioneer of inclusion and breakingdown barriers for disabled and non-disabledpeople to participate together on equal terms. Welisten to our members who tell us our work is asmuch needed today as it ever was. Please help usto offer more to disabled people who aredisproportionately disadvantaged in Society. By playing the Phab lottery you are helping us tocontinue our work while also being in with a weeklychance of winning yourself one of 50 cash prizes! Thank you so much for your support! If you need support with gambling, please visit www.gambleaware.co.uk or www.gamcare.org.uk.You must be over the age of 18 years old to takepart in our lottery.Licensed and Regulated by the Gambling Commission.Our lottery is administrated by The Heartbeat Lotterywhich is licensed and regulated by the GamblingCommission.Licence Number 000-005098-N-309071-009www.gamblingcommission.gov.ukPromoter: Heartbeat
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Please help us to make a real difference to the lives of disabled and non-disabled people of all ages and ask for a donation to be given to Phab rather than a festive gift. Rising energy bills will be the principal source of pain in the UK this winter. The problem is the spiralling cost of living, whilst household's average energy bills are already showing a hefty increase on the prior year, to an eye-watering level. Everyone will be affected, but life costs more for disabled people and their families, spending more on vital goods and services. These extra costs mean disabled people have less money in their pocket than non-disabled people, or go without non-essentials such as respite. Your kind and generous donation will help us support many disabled and non-disabled children and young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds, from attending one of our Phabulous clubs where young people make friends, learn to live and have fun with their life to experiencing one of our unique residential projects with physical, educational and social activities at fully accessible centres in England. You can donate online, by text, by post, by card, when you are online shopping or in memory of a loved one. Visit https://www.phab.org.uk/fundraising-how-to-donate Thank You
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Our final Phab Residential Project of the year took place over the long weekend of the 14th to 16th October at the wonderfully inclusive Bendrigg Lodge Outdoor Centre which is set in beautiful surroundings between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. Fifteen young carers stayed for a weekend of fun, and a break from the responsibilities and challenges they face at home. Along with a very busy activity program, there was also time for art and music therapy sessions which gave the young people the chance to discuss any concerns or worries with qualified therapists. The weekend also offered the chance to meet other young people in similar circumstances, supporting one another, sharing experiences whilst making new friends. As one young person said: "The opportunity to come along with the group has helped relax my mind of my problems. I have learned new skills, made friends. This was my first holiday away from home in eight years and I have so much to tell my family when I go home." Phab is very fortunate to have the support of amazing volunteers who give their time and commitment, not only during the weeks away, but also at the required training sessions and huge thanks goes out to every one of them. Phab is most grateful to the individual donors, major funders and Charitable Trusts who have given so generously to make these Projects possible. Rebecca Hargreaves, Phab National Projects Manager, is now planning our 2023 events and if you would like to get involved, she would love to hear from you. You can contact her on 01254 824784 or rebecca.hargreaves@phab.org.uk
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Join the Disability Festival in the Park on Wednesday 24th August 2022. This year, the festival will be held at Christchurch Green, Woodbine Place, London E11 2RH, from 12pm till 5pm. Free entry for all the family with lots of fund workshops, games, food and drink, including a Freddy Mercury tribute performance! https://oneplaceeast.org/disability-festival-in-the-park2022/
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On Sunday 17th July 2022 the 31st annual Disability Awareness Day will be held. Disability Awareness Day ("DAD") is the world's largest 'not for profit' voluntary-led disability exhibition, held annually in a huge tented village within the grounds of Walton Hall Gardens in Warrington. Admission is free. The Organisers Disability Awareness Day was founded by Dave Thompson MBE DL in 1992 and is managed by Warrington Disability Partnership, the charity Dave founded in 1991. Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP) is based in Warrington at the Centre for Independent Living, Evelyn Street, Warrington WA5 1BA and the phone number is 01925 240064. Disability Awareness Day In the many marquees that create the show ground visitors will be able to explore more than 250 exhibitors promoting independent living and the theme of a ‘can do’ culture, as well as enjoying the Sports Zone, Arts Marquee, Main Arena and Family Entertainments. DAD offers something for everyone and a fun day out for the whole family. Getting ThereThere is a free bus and a park and ride service available. Maps and full details of how to get to Walton Hall https://www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk/events/
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“My name is Ben Ryan, I am on a sabbatical from Sheffield University where I am doing a course in journalism. I joined Viv in Fundraising mid Feb where my role is cleansing, researching and expanding our funders databank, managing the dept communication system and growing our data capture with fresh, useful contacts. Janine Head of Sports Challenges has enrolled a great bunch of marathon runners from Bedfordshire and on Saturday 11th June I was invited to join the Revolution group at a car wash fundraiser they had organised in one of the Luton wards. My job on the day was to take pictures, make a Vimeo and write about the event, all a much-enjoyed part of my university training programme. I arrived at Crescent Hall about 1pm with a little nervousness, a sense of apprehension. Oscillating a moment before joining the festivities, I realised my nerves were unnecessary. During my brief visit, I met a staff group of about 30, the sense of warmth, joviality and community I felt were immediate & profound, with everyone being welcoming and open. The Revolution fundraisers, were not only welcoming and kind but proficient in their activities to the benefit of our Phab Kids. The carwash raised nearly £4000, to be shared between Phab, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Diabetes UK. It will provide vital funds to our Inclusive Living Experience and Phab Club which provide activities and safe space for disabled children. We are hugely grateful for the Revolution group wonderful efforts. The flow of visitors was steady throughout my visit, the busy and buzzing carwash was flanked by a tasty barbeque and merchandise stalls where people could buy food and/or a branded t-shirt. Revolution’s marketing was very local and grassroots with the organisers inviting people from within their communities, they advertised on social media, and invited residents off the venue neighbouring streets. The parking lot where the carwash took place was near-constantly packed with continuous stream of cars coming off the road. Whilst I was not there for a long time, I felt immediately an atmosphere of inclusiveness, levity and joy that the Revolution group personifies. The amount raised is outstanding and I am very happy to have recorded this special occasion. Thank you Shebs and friends - you are Phabulous!” Ben RyanMarketing Assistant, Fundraising and Corporate Partnership, Phab
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Phab would like to thank all our cyclists who rode in the gruelling TFL RideLondon-Essex 100 on Sunday 29th May and made it such a success. One rider in particular, James Arculus (pictured above and below), has raised an incredible £5,269 so far from his completion of the event on Sunday. He admitted that "the last 20 miles were pretty tough and there wasn’t much left in the legs for the final climb out of the Limehouse tunnel just before the finish" but knowing he "had the support of all the people who donated was a big help in keeping me pedalling on the day." Many thanks and congratulations, James! There will be more photos and stories from the RideLondon event as we collect them.
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Phab are absolutely delighted to announce the success of our recruitment campaign with not just one but two Chief Executive Officers joining us on a job share basis. Our co-CEOs will be Dawn Vickers and Mik Scarlet, starting their roles early this summer. Dawn Vickers is an experienced leader within the charity and voluntary sector, with a successful background in strategic development, widening participation and developing partnerships and relationships to strengthen the collective voice to break down barriers to inclusion. Currently working with Disability Snowsport UK, Dawn was until recently the Managing Director for charity DanceSyndrome and the driving force behind their work since joining in 2014. Dawn is a skilled networker who loves to meet new people and find ways to work in partnership. She is an ambassador for inclusion, enabling people to overcome any barriers they face and focusing on their talents and abilities. She is also a founder director for Spring Into Action and Meet and Match, both organisations supporting people with disabilities to live the life that they want to live. Dawn's brother Craig has Down's syndrome and Autism and is the inspiration that motivates her to be involved with organisations that drive inclusion. Along with Craig, Dawn loves music and dance and has been a singer and drummer in bands for over 30 years! Dawn is thrilled to be joining forces with Mik Scarlet in the role of co CEO at Phab and excited about the future for everyone at Team Phab! Mik Scarlet is an Emmy award winning, BAFTA nominated broadcaster, journalist, musician and equality expert and disability rights campaigner. Mik was born with cancer and a successful treatment left him disabled. He attended mainstream schools and was about to enter a career in banking when his spine collapsed due to an unforeseen side effect of his cancer treatment. Overnight he became a full time wheelchair user at the age of 15. This is when he visited a Phab Club and began rebuilding his life, leading to the exciting successful life he's had, despite what the expectations were for him back then. This period in his life left him feeling indebted to Phab and so many years later when he was asked to become one of the charity's vice presidents he jumped at the chance. Mik has presented many Phab live and online events. Mik is now looking forward to working alongside Dawn and the Phab team, staff and volunteers, to ensure a bright future for Phab and the people it supports.
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Father's Day is just around the corner: it's on Sunday 19th June this year. Celebrate your Dad this Father's Day by making a charity donation - a Father's Day gift that gives back to the whole Phab community and helps inspire and support disabled and non-disabled children, young people and adults to make more of life together. You can make a one-off donation online or set up a monthly direct debit online through JustGiving or Stripe Donation. Gift Aid will automatically be claimed for Phab if relevant. To make a one-off donation online: To set up a monthly direct debit online:
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Here are a few internal contacts: If you want to run a marathon: janine@phabkids.co.uk Events & general fundraising: viviane.vayssieres@phab.org.uk Fundraising for Phab Clubs: george.whittingham@phab.org.uk Inclusive residential projects: rebecca.hargreaves@phab.org.uk
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All proceeds from our Anniversary online prize competition will help Phab support and inspire disabled and non-disabled children, young people and adults to make more of life together. We are HUGELY grateful to Luxury Coastal Holidays Homes www.luxurycoastalholidayhomes.co.uk The Phab Board of Trustees www.phab.org.uk The management of the renowned Luton Hoo Hotel www.lutonhoo.co.uk for their very generous donations
Read article“The experiences that Harriet has at Phab are having a huge impact on her whole development. A huge thank you to everyone who makes that possible.”
“This adventure gave Sarah time to grow and realise that being away from home is normal. So when she gets into her adulthood it won’t be so scary.”
“My daughter doesn’t get to go out to play with the local children and doesn’t get invited to many parties – but all of these things she enjoys at Phab.”
Please help us make a real difference to the lives of disabled and non-disabled people of all ages. By using Gift Aid, your donation will be worth even more to Phab at no extra cost to yourself. If you are a UK Tax Payer, Phab can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you donate through the Government’s Gift Aid Scheme.