DCF - A brief history

Disabled Christians Fellowship was formed in 1959, when Frances Poole, a woman of vision, started the first group in Bristol following her involvement with friends who had a disability. In the following years, others caught the vision and the work grew from the one group to around twenty groups in Great Britain, with a lively holiday programme, a popular audio resource ministry, & regular prayer support. There are still DCF local groups around the UK.

In 1994, the vision of Bristol supporters for a local Day Centre came to fruition. Haven Day Centre (legally named DCF Premier Workshops) provided a stimulating environment, offering various activities, and day-care or assistance, to adults with restricted mobility, sensory impairment, or who had learning support needs. All this took place in a caring Christian environment. It was based in Filwood Park, Knowle West, in Bristol. For over 30 years, the DCF centre in Bristol helped many hundreds of people to know a new sense of belonging, and of being valued. Many other Christian organisations carry on this essential work, such as those who are part of the network Churches for All: including us at Through the Roof. 

DCF has been changing the lives of disabled Christians through support and fellowship it provides for people with a disability for over sixty years!

The original vision continues: to be a conduit through which those with a disability might get to know the love of Jesus Christ. DCF is now part of Through the Roof, and the main office is based in Morden, Surrey. People continue to come to faith and trust in Christ through the ministry and by knowing the love and care of other Christians.

Through the Roof offers accessible holidays in the UK and online retreats and resources, providing both practical and spiritual support to all who need to know there can be a future and a hope. Our 'Together fellowship' programme includes many pastoral, prayer and fellowship opportunities, including online groups: <a "Follow this link for info on the Lounge, our online fellowship group" href="https://throughtheroof.org/2023/10/20/join-us-in-the-lounge/">the Lounge and Together at Home which meet regularly on Zoom. The aim of each of these is to introduce those with a disability to the love of Jesus, and for those who are already believers to strengthen their faith and aid them to grow in their walk with God.