What is Phab?

Tom Compton: Phab is a national charity that promotes the inclusion of young people with disabilities into society on completely equal terms. Generally Phab clubs host events where guests (young people with disabilities) and hosts (volunteers of similar ages) are able to have fun together doing activities and forming friendships, emphasising ability rather than disability.

Emma Lubel: It’s a UK national charity run with other organisations – so our schools were involved with Phab, and we know people who’ve set up clubs in other universities, such as Nottingham. It provides interaction and a social environment for the guests, and respite for their carers.

How do you want it to work in Cambridge?

TC: We’re going to host days or afternoons out to interesting places, like zoos or theme parks, and more local sessions such as arts and crafts or sport.

EL: Eventually we’re planning to have fortnightly outings and we’ll aim to have two hosts per guest. A lot of the people who we are hoping will come to these events will go to day centres or to school anyway, and we don’t want to make it too similar to that – we want to make it really fun.

Why are you doing this?

EL: I think when you’re involved with Phab you want to carry that on for as long as you can. We both did it at school and it took up a lot of our time, and now we’re missing it. It’s so much fun: you literally live their highs and lows. But also a lot of the reason why you do Phab isn’t for you – knowing that someone else is having an amazing time because of something you’re doing is incredible.

TC: When we were at school we hosted a group of young adults and children with disabilities for a week-long residential camp, and provided them with 24/7 care. It was really intense and absolutely knackering but amazing, and we gave them the week of a lifetime. I remember when I finished the week I thought it was the most worthwhile, best thing I’ve ever done. The opportunity to create something like that ourselves and continue it in Cambridge is really exciting. It’s also completely different to anything people already do at Cambridge, because there’s no trying to be cool or pretentious or intelligent or whatever – you go crazy; you completely embarrass yourself just to entertain your guest.

What was the most embarrassing thing you’ve done as part of Phab?

EL: In my mind nothing that I did at the time was embarrassing, but it would be if I was in any other circumstance. Although I did have to get up and impersonate a seal in front of everyone.

TC: I think I went as a gangsta smurf in a morph suit one time to the fancy dress disco.

What is the biggest difficulty you face in setting this up?

EL: A big part of Phab are the fundraisers to raise money to run the activities, which will be a challenge. But I think finding volunteers will possibly be the biggest issue.

TC: Yeah, because Cambridge is Cambridge, and it’s already been tricky to find times when everyone is free just for committee meetings. So to find volunteers who are ready to give up their Saturday afternoon is going to be difficult. Emma and I have both had the experience of Phab and we know how utterly amazing it is, we’ve just got to show other people how worthwhile it is.

What should people do if they want to get involved?

TC: Send us an email at cambridgephab@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from absolutely anyone.

EL: We’re forming the committee at the moment, so get in touch if you’re interested in being part of that, if you’d like to volunteer at events, or if you just want to find out more.  

You can get in touch with Tom and Emma at cambridgephab@gmail.com and find out more at www.phab.org.uk.