Ableworld Support Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum

This entry was posted in General October 10, 2019

The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, based in the city’s historic Docks recently approached Ableworld to help ensure access is available to more visitors. The Friends of the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, a charity which supports the museum, arranged with ourselves for two stairlifts to be installed allowing access to all levels of the museum.

The Friends of the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum was set up in 1990 when the museum first opened and continue to organise fundraising events to allow them to provide essential support to the museum, raising over £4000 so far.

The most recent project provided by the Friends of the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum included support from local Ableworld Gloucester store on Longsmith street, to install 2 stairlifts so that the museum is accessible to more visitors. The stairlifts were installed on 30th September by our Gloucester Stairlift Engineer, who also took part in the official opening on Wednesday 2nd October. Mr Tommy Clough, 88 who served with the Royal Artillery during the Korean War was welcomed at the museum and took the maiden voyage on the new stairlifts.

Vicki Hopson Museum Director said “We are grateful to Ableworld for helping us make the second floor of our building accessible to those with mobility problems, this means some of our older Veterans can now access the Regimental Boardroom for the first time in many years.  The Ableworld staff were extremely helpful and the stair lifts were installed within 2 weeks of us sending the initial enquiry. Great service, will certainly recommend to anyone who needs help with providing access in the future.”

The museum allows people to discover the lives of Gloucestershire Soldiers from the last 300 years. Visitors can try on uniforms, look into a First World War trench, and learn about medals and how soldiers won them through history with interactive displays plus much more. There is plenty for the whole family to do children’s games, uniforms to try on plus a free quiz. The museum story begins in 1694, travels through the Napoleonic Wars, the Age of Empire, World Wars, Korea right up to modern day conflicts. The museum allows you to discover the stories of twelve generations of Gloucestershire soldiers.

Our Ableworld Gloucester Store Manager Travis added “It was our pleasure to help the charity to support our local veterans. This museum is a great asset to our City and is a great way to celebrate the lives of those who served for our country. Allowing access to all visitors of the museum is something we are really proud to support. We will certainly be recommending the museum to people visiting the area.”

Our Ableworld Gloucester store provides a range of mobility aids to help people live independently, including stairlifts. Our Gloucester mobility shop has recently moved to Longsmith Street, where our team offer a friendly welcome and free advice on all of their mobility aids with no pressure. A wide range of mobility equipment is available from dressing and washing aids, to larger items such as Mobility scooters, Riser Recliners and Wheelchairs, plus much more.

 

The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum is located in Gloucester’s Historic Docks at: Back Badge Square, Gloucester Docks, Gloucester, GL1 2HE. Telephone 01452 522682.

For more information about the museum please visit www.soldiersofglos.com

If you would like to become a Friend of the Museum and help with their fundraising please visit www.soldiersofglos.com/friends

 

Furthermore if you would like to visit our Ableworld Gloucester store, please see our store page.

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Ableworld Stafford Free Mobility Scooter Prize Draw – We have a Winner

This entry was posted in General September 19, 2019

As part of the launch of our new Ableworld store in Stafford, we ran a competition for one lucky winner to win a Vecta Sport Road Scooter. Thank you to everyone who entered, we were overwhelmed with the response and received almost 900 entries via in store forms, newspaper entries and on Facebook.

There could only be one winner and we had the pleasure of awarding the prize to Mrs Jones on Tuesday 10th September at our Stafford store. Mrs Jones, who came along with her family received the prize from Stafford store manager Tina, and she was overcome with emotion.

Mrs Jones said “I can’t tell you how happy I am, I have never won anything. I couldn’t believe it when I heard I had won and thought it can’t be true so I called my daughter to double check. Once Julie called back to tell me it was true, I couldn’t wait to tell everyone. I called around the whole family and all my friends”

Mrs Jones entered the competition on Facebook after spotting the advert one evening when she was browsing her social media. She said “I just thought why not, and I entered. I never gave it another thought until I received a message to say I had won”

Mrs Jones from Loggerheads, Staffordshire is already looking forward to visiting her friends in the town where she lives, and can now easily nip to the local shop – it really has given her some independence back.

Mrs Jones is an existing Ableworld customer and has previously shopped at Ableworld Newport, purchasing an Adjustable Bed and Boot Scooter, which her husband is currently using.

Thank you to everyone who entered our competition and keep your eyes peeled for our next big Free Prize Draw.

We really hope you enjoy using your new Scooter Mrs Jones!

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Ableworld Big Summer Sale – Ends Soon!

This entry was posted in General September 16, 2019

At Ableworld our Big Summer Sale ends soon on 29th September 2019. So whilst the fantastic offers last, why not pay a visit to your local Ableworld store quick! 

At Ableworld we provide value for money prices all throughout the year, however in our Big Summer Sale the prices are even better! Some of the offers included in our Sale are:

• 10% off ALL Wheelchairs
• 20% off ALL Wheelchair Cushions
• 10% off ALL Folding Walking Sticks
• £200 off ALL New Curved Stairlifts
• Riser Recliners from only £249*
• Mobility Scooters from only £499*

Below are just a few individual products included in the Ableworld Big Summer Sale:

• Vista Pavement Scooter – From Only £1195* - Save £100 on previous price. The Vista scooter is a new mid-range/pavement model that is packed full of features. It is easy to dismantle into a few easy-to-lift sections to transport in your car. Also includes all round suspension and solid puncture proof tyres. It is available in two vibrant colours - Oxford Blue and Sunset Orange. It is no surprise as to why the Vista has been so popular this summer.
• Bathing Cushion – £399* - Save £100 on previous price. The Bathing Cushion is perfect for those who have difficulty getting in and out of the bath. The lightweight and portable bathing cushion lowers you into the bath, then raises you back up when needed all at the touch of a button. This amazing product is extremely safe as it’ll only lower a person into the bath if there is enough battery power to raise them back out again.
• Adlington Riser Recliner Chair – From Only £449* – Save up to £150 on previous price. The Adlington Riser recliner chair provides comfort and quality at a fantastic price. The chair comes with a simple to operate 2 button handset for user peace of mind. Further great features include a supportive lateral backrest with a lift over headrest for optimum comfort. Upholstered in luxurious fabric, a range of colours and a convenient side storage pocket make the Adlington the perfect choice.
• Aluminium 3 wheel walker – £54.99* - Save £10 on previous price. The lightweight aluminium frame makes this Aluminium 3 Wheel Walker extremely easy to manoeuvre making it ideal for use indoors or out. This walker is great for providing support and storage for carrying items on shopping trips. Features a strong, height adjustable aluminium frame and puncture proof wheels. With the ability to help you get around more easily, and carry your belongings safely the 3 Wheel Walker features a bag, basket and tray for all kinds of users.

*VAT exempt – ask in store for details.

In addition to great prices, in every Ableworld store our friendly team are ready to help you find the ideal product for your needs, providing full assessments and guidance for new customers where needed, as well as free, impartial advice on what aids would suit you best. If you are looking for a stairlift, our fully trained engineering team will be able to cover a 30 mile radius around your local store.

You can find your local Ableworld store using our Store Locator.

 

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Thanks for a fantastic year!

This entry was posted in General September 11, 2019

We are really pleased to say, once again at Ableworld we have achieved a record year, helping hundreds of customers across the UK and we couldn’t have done it without you all – so THANK YOU! We pride ourselves on helping our customers by providing honest, free advice to help you or a loved one live independently for longer.

As always, we are dedicated to supporting customers with our ethical approach to selling, ensuring customers receive the right equipment and advice for their needs. At Ableworld we also support the local community where possible by running free scooter proficiency events, sponsor local worthy causes and dedicate time and resources to helping those in need.

Managing Director Mike Williams has stated “It’s been a great year for Ableworld but we couldn’t do it without our wonderful customers and dedicated staff. Helping customers find the right mobility product for their needs is our ultimate aim and we are pleased to have welcomed hundreds of new customers this year, as well as supporting our existing customers to ensure they are getting the most from their mobility equipment.”

After a great year we are celebrating many successes in an increasingly competitive mobility market, including the introduction of many new products into our range such as the Vecta Sport Road Scooter, Jiffy 4 folding Scooter, The Astbury Riser Recliner and daily living aids such as Picture Dial Telephone and a complete overhaul of our Bathing and Kitchen aids. We have also opened 2 new stores in the past 12 months, in Christchurch Dorset and our new flagship store on a busy retail park in Stafford.

Mike continued, “This year has been great and next year is set to continue. Between ourselves and franchises we are aiming to open at least another three to four stores in the coming twelve months and we intend to carry on being the leading Mobility and Stairlift Retailer in the Country, so keep an eye out for a New Ableworld Store coming to your town very soon! We are also currently upgrading our accounts, CRM and retail systems to ensure we can continue to support our wonderful customers and provide our store teams with the tools they need to help more customers every day”.

We currently have 35 Ableworld Mobility and Stairlift stores around the UK supported by our Head Office and support teams in Nantwich, Cheshire. As well as our wonderful customers we also want to thank all of our staff for their support over the last 12 months, and hope the bonuses that have been paid out over the 12 months shows how much we value each and every employee.

As always we welcome feedback and love talking to our customers daily. We are looking forward to the next 12 months and hope to see you all along the way.

If you are interested in joining our growing company then please see our current Job Opportunities, or to shop our selection of Mobility aids please visit our ranges here.

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Online Shopping Security Checks

This entry was posted in General September 5, 2019

Currently when you shop online, you may be asked for your card details, including the expiry date and CVV code off the back of your card. Online retailers ask for these details to make sure it is actually you making the purchase. However, in many cases this cannot be guaranteed at all, and it could be a fraudster with stolen card details.

In a new national rule that is due to be introduced in Autumn this year, tougher new checks known as ‘Strong Customer Authentication’ (SCA) will become more common for online shopping and banking within the UK and EU. These new checks will be put into place to prevent fraudsters, with the aim to make online shopping more secure for customers.

From 14th September, new EU rules come into place which means that on some purchases, verification checks will be done before a payment can be taken.

Not all payments will require extra checks, for smaller payments under $30 (currently £27) only card details will be needed. However for payments over this amount, or for consecutive smaller amounts, shoppers will be required to enter a verification code to prove that it’s really them making the purchase.

In most instances, your bank will firstly send a code to something you own, such as texting a code through to your mobile phone with a one-time confirmation code. Secondly, they could ask for something you know, such as a previously entered password or phrase into an app. The third option is to check something you are, such as fingerprint or facial recognition on your mobile phone. These methods are all in addition to your regular card details, and in most cases you will only need to process one. The method of verification will differ between bank providers and card issuers however.

It is up to each bank and card issuer which methods they use and they will inform you of the details or devices you might need. If you are confused then call your bank or card issuer using the phone number on the back of your card.

There is the option to create your own Whitelisted Websites list, whereby you will be able to add your favourite websites that you purchase from frequently, and bypass the extra security checks. This can only be processed by your bank provider or card issuer.

Although the full force of the rules aren’t set to come into place until 2020, please do be aware that they are taking place and will have an effect on online purchases from mid- September.

As always please be careful of emails or text messages that may look suspicious, as there will be lots of information regarding the new legislations being passed around. If you have any doubt about anyone or anything asking for your personal details, report it to your bank asap using the phone number on the back of your card.

If you are having any trouble with placing your order through our Ableworld website due to the new payment securities, please firstly contact your bank or card issuer in regards to the verification methods. Our customer services team will do our best to help, however we cannot get in touch with your bank provider in regards to your verification methods.

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Mobility Plus Eastleigh’s premier mobility aid retailer announces the closure of their Eastleigh store

This entry was posted in General September 3, 2019

We are sad to hear that Mobility Plus in Eastleigh has recently closed its doors, a caring company experienced in providing a range of care home and disability equipment.

Ableworld Southampton would like to reassure local residents from the Eastleigh and surrounding area they are here and happy to help. Ableworld Southampton understand and appreciate that many customers shopping for mobility aids may feel vulnerable or nervous about asking for advice, but the friendly and helpful team at Ableworld Southampton are fully trained to offer free and personal service when it comes to shopping for mobility aids. The large showroom in Woolston, Southampton offers the widest range of mobility aids, as well as the largest stairlift showroom in the South where you can ‘try before you buy’. The store also offers free home demonstrations for mobility aids if you or a loved one struggle to get out of your home, including mobility product installations, servicing and repairs. All staff are fully DBS checked and provide identification for customer’s peace of mind.Ableworld Southampton are dedicated to supporting customers every step of the way, including aftersales, which is why the highly skilled in-house engineers are on hand to repair and service the mobility aids they provide.

As Which? Endorsed Trusted Traders for servicing work, Ableworld Southampton understand that the independence gained from mobility equipment is extremely important, therefore they aim to repair as quickly and efficiently as possible. Furthermore, an urgent stairlift out of hours number is available for calls 24/7 to assist with any problems.

Please be reassured that Ableworld Southampton are committed in continuing to help as many customers as they can, offering a wide range of mobility aids at competitive prices to Eastleigh and surrounding areas.

Visit Ableworld Southampton store at: 42-46 Portsmouth Road, Woolston, Southampton, SO19 9AD  Tel: 02380 440000

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How to Choose a Walking Stick?

This entry was posted in General August 27, 2019

At Ableworld we provide a wide variety of assistances to help with all types of mobility aid. Walking sticks are one of the most popular options to consider when looking for a mobility aid. At Ableworld we have a large choice of walking sticks available and there are unique features to differentiate one from another. There are many features to consider when selecting a walking stick, such as the handle shape, length of stick and product material. Within this post we will highlight the key steps to selecting the correct walking stick and what options we suggest.

Handles

The top of the walking stick is undoubtedly the most important part of selecting a walking stick, due to all the body pressure being exerted through here to gain the correct balance. There are a variety of different handles to help assist each personal need.

• Chestnut Crook Handle. A crook handle is traditionally designed and shaped for everyday use. Ideal for walks in the countryside or day-to-day use around the house.
• Escort walking stick moulded effect handle. Our moulded handled walking sticks offer superior comfort for the regular, daily walking stick user. The handles have a reassuring, comfortable grip and can be used in either hand.
• Ergonomically shaped handle. This is designed to spread weight more evenly over the surface of the hand meaning its ideal for those with limited grip strength and those with painful wrists and finger joints.
• Ergonomically-designed plastic handle. These are the cheapest and most common handles which are used on all short term walking sticks for a simple use purpose.
• A grip cane. This design offers gentle palm support. Specify left or right handed grip for the best hold.

What size walking stick do I need?

Although many of our aluminium walking sticks are easily button adjustable we have a large range of wooden sticks and crooks that have to be cut to size. It is crucial that the correct size stick is being used to allow maximum assistance where needed.

The best way to measure for stick size is to stand upright in a normal pair of shoes and measure from the wrist bone to the floor with a measuring tape. Furthermore turning the stick upside down with the handle on the floor and marking to the wrist bone is another way. All our wooden sticks should be cut to size and then the rubber ferrule replaced on the bottom. Please note: Cutting a wooden stick can be difficult to gain precise measurements, therefore cut too long to begin with and measure for size before continuing. 

How to use a walking stick?

Whenever using a stick your arm should be slightly bent at the elbow and shoulders level, to avoid stooping or walking unnaturally. Your stick should be used on your most comfortable side.

Walking sticks should be used when the user feels they should. Some of our walking sticks are foldable and compact so that they can be kept in a bag in case of emergency purposes.

Accessories

We also provide a large amount of accessories to aid the mobility of a walking stick in different ways. We provide a variety of ferrules to help absorb impact with the ground while improving steadiness of use. An Ice ferrule is designed to be used in the worst conditions, whereas a flexyfoot ferrule offers advanced shock absorption in all weathers. Furthermore we provide a walking stick strap, walking stick clip and a bridgit, all with the purpose of easy use to help stop dropping or losing your walking stick. Furthermore we have other unique walking stick variants such as a Walking stick umbrella and a Glow and Go stick to appeal to our vast customer base. These accessories are easily available to browse and purchase in our Ferrules and Mobility Aids sections.

If you would like help on choosing the right walking stick or accessories to suit your needs, then just pop into your local Ableworld store and speak to one of our friendly store staff.  

Otherwise for more information please do not hesitate to contact us on 01270 627111.

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