During the 1930s, disabled people were shunned or, at best, tolerated by society. They were not expected to socialise, marry or work and were essentially treated as victims – passively receiving the charity that so called "ablebodied" people chose to give them.

In this atmosphere, two people with polio met in 1938. Patricia Carey was diagnosed aged eight, Frederic Morena aged 42. Frustrated by society’s approach to disabled people they decided to challenge attitudes and start an organisation "for people with disabilities, by people with disabilities". The British Polio Fellowship was born.*

Since that time, we have built a national organisation which has greatly changed the lives of many people with polio.

Here are some milestones from our history. For more information, we recommend you read a fascinating account of our past, "Something to lean on" compiled by Barry North.

* Initially known as the "Infantile Paralysis Fellowship" we later change our name to reflect the fact that everyone could be affected by polio not just children.

We are the largest national charity for people in the UK with Polio and Post Polio Syndrome. Through our Central Office, with nine Regions, 46 Branches and several active Groups we provide many services.

Our vision is of a society where people living with the effects of Polio and Post Polio Syndrome have all the resources they need to lead full, active and integrated lives and of a world where polio is completely eradicated.

The British Polio Fellowship seeks to empower and support all people in the UK living with the effects of polio and Post Polio Syndrome by:

• actively campaigning in support of their rights and needs and those of their carers
• providing information, advocacy, welfare and support to enable people to live full independent and integrated lives and being the first resource on polio and Post Polio Syndrome.
• supporting a Regional / Branch / Group structure that enables mutual support amongst members to be carried out in a caring and inclusive environment.
• raising the profile of The British Polio Fellowship to enhance its effectiveness and to seek out all those who may benefit from our services.
• developing world-wide alliances with other polio and Post Polio groups for the mutual benefit of all our members.

The British Polio Fellowship is committed to supporting and developing its staff and volunteers and to the most effective use of its resources.

Since we incorporated in 2005 we have been governed by our members through the Management Council – the Trustees of our Fellowship. At least 75% of our Trustees are people with polio. 12 Trustees are elected by National Ballot on a first-past-the-post, one person one vote system.

Members are organised in branches, groups, regions and other networks, though many members do not belong to a formal branch and are supported through our Central Office.

Our main office is in South Ruislip, Middlesex, where there are currently 18 employees who work on either a full or part-time basis. Six of these employees are fully or partly funded by external sources. This location is often referred to as "Central Office" and it comprises four departments: Administration, Membership and Development, Support Services and Holidays. We have nine Regions, and 46 active Branches and Groups.

The Board of Trustees has responsibility for the strategic direction of the Fellowship and ensures the staff team achieves the Business Plan. At least three-quarters of Board members must be people with polio. The Board meets every two months. A synopsis of Board meetings is published in the Bulletin, but If you would like a copy of the full minutes, please email info@britishpolio.org.uk

For a copy of the Fellowship’s Strategic Plan or Annual Report, please email info@britishpolio.org.uk