Conservatives Throw Independent Living Fund Into Chaos

24th June 2015

Disability Rights UK: The Independent Living Fund (ILF) is a discretionary scheme financed by the government that aims at supporting disabled people with substantial high needs to live independently in the community rather than in residential care. ILF offers financial support to fund packages of care for those with severe disabilities.

It is only a few days until the closure of the Independent Living Fund which supports more than 21,000 people with severe disabilities. Protests have taken place at the House of Commons today during Prime Minister David Cameron’s Questions to fight for the rights of those that struggle to get by on a day to day basis.

Richard Hawkes, chief executive of disability charity Scope, said the decision to phase out the fund was “bemusing. The fund is comparatively very small and is designed to support disabled people to live at home rather than in care homes.”

The phased closure was described as “foolhardy and lacking in humanity” Labour peer Lord Morris of Manchester, who was the first minister for the disabled, describe the closure as ‘foolhardy and lacking humanity. He said: “This will not save money. If you make it harder for disabled people to live at home, it will cost more because more of them will have to be in hospitals and other places of full-time care.

“It will mean far more of them having to be in institutional care at far greater cost to the taxpayer.”

Scope continues to offer free advice for those concerned. Please visit www.scope.org.uk

A1 Stairlifts’ Success in Innovation and Diversification

19th June 2015

We’d like to say a massive thanks to the team for all their hard work. On Friday 12 June, A1 Stairlift Services headed to the glitzy Keighley Business Awards to come home with Highly Commended for Success in Innovation and Diversification.

On behalf of the team, here is Simon and Linda on stage to take home their prize:

A1 fought off tough competition from across the Keighley region to take home ‘highly commended’ for Success through Innovation and Diversification. This award recognises the hardwork that the team has put in but also what a forward thinking company we are. Over the past 12 months we have introduced many new initiatives, environmentally friendly services plus new avenues to make it easier for customers to buy stairlifts and mobility products.

As a Keighley born and bred business we’re delighted that our work is standing out against a growing business crowd.

#Happydays

Product Focus: Stairlift Rentals

10th June 2015

We understand that there is sometimes a need for temporary stairlifts. Often or not people want something flexible and cost effective without the cost of buying a stairlift – which is why we offer rentals which start at as little as £10 per week.

We work with all top manufacturers so have a wide range of up-to-date reconditioned models. If this is something you’re considering, we will send one of our trained engineers to complete a full free survey of your stairs so that you get the correct stairlift model for your home. All of our rental stairlifts come with call out and maintenance service within 24 hours included in the rental charge.

All of our rented stairlifts are fitted with folding manual swivel seat, fully upholstered and with remote controls. We also have powered seats, hinges and footrests are available. If you decide you want or need to keep the stairlift, there is an option to buy.

Stairlift give away – giving back to the community

5th June 2015

This week we fully fitted a straight stairlift for free for Dawn in Gloucestershire as part of our 12 month give away campaign to give something back to the community. We are calling for nominations for deserving cases and each month we choose one person to receive a free fully fitted straight stairlift.

Dawn was nominated by her friend who said: Once a professional dancer, she is now wheelchair bound due to a disease called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, she struggles to get up the stairs and just a few weeks ago she fell down them and was admitted back into hospital where she has now been diagnosed with MS. Dawn is only 37 and her independence has now been ripped away.

Thanks to the campaign, Dawn can now use her home without the difficulty of getting up and down the stairs.

If you know someone who deserves a free straight stairlift, send in your nomination to headoffice@a1stairlifts.co.uk

Job Vacancies

5th June 2015

Once again, we’re expanding! If you have what it takes for the below vacancies and want to be part of a forward thinking, innovative and lively team, get in touch.

We’re looking for:

Stairlift engineer: must be experienced in fixing, installing and removing stairlifts. Needs a full clean driving license. The person for this job must be personable and friendly.

A full time office administrator. Needs to have experience in an office environment and to show initiative. You need to be computer literate, good telephone skills and selling qualities.

A part time mobility engineer who has sales experience. Will need to handle shop sales when customers come in. Needs experience with mobility products.

Email your CV and why you want this job to headoffice@a1stairlifts.co.uk

 

Are you a carer? What Support Is Available?

1st June 2015

Being a carer can be emotionally and physically hard work. Not only that, it is a huge responsibility and often one the carer wasn’t prepared for. Fortunately you’re not alone – there is help and support available.

Mobility Needs

We offer free advice on everyday mobility needs from stairlifts, scooters and wheelchairs down to the small appliances. Please call 0808 178 8487 to speak to one of our experts.