“The stairclimber’s been a Godsend. I’m not confined to the same four walls anymore! I can chat with my friends, have a game of dominoes. We could have our traditional big Christmas get-together in the pub!”

One of the best pieces of inclusive kit I know. Although I am an OT professionally, I comment from a customer perspective. My step daughter has one of your stairclimbers on loan through NHS equipment services and I'm so aware that our health and her quality of life, her abilities and our collective safety would look significantly different without it.

The S-Max’s been a real problem-solver. It means so much to us. The stairclimber is so quick and easy to use, it’s just a couple of buttons to operate. It has been a life-saver.: it was so dangerous how we used to get mum out and back home. This way is much more dignified. We have to deal with a flight of stairs from mum’s flat to the main entrance, then more steps beyond. Gareth from AAT was so helpful in working with us to find the best way to navigate them all.

The service we have received has been extremely positive. Funds and time are under pressure now more than ever. This means we can quickly empower clients to still be able to access all levels of their home, with the peace of mind that the right kit is being supplied, maintained and serviced, and in full working order. It takes a pressure off the already busy stores team, and enables effective delegation and employment of specialised resources so we can make best use of our time and expertise.

The Stairclimber has been such an asset to us as a family. This piece of equipment has allowed my mum to have a better quality of life, and helped her wellbeing. But it has also helped with the wellbeing of us, her carers, too. it means we all feel there is a real sense of freedom. You can't put a price on this sort of liberation. This will definitely help anyone who values wellbeing and freedom. As for the maintenance - AAT is brilliant. We've had the equipment for some time, and it really is maintained very well. You never feel as though you're a burden and have always been met with considerate staff and a level of expertise that is outstanding. Believe me, this makes a difference when you're juggling lots.

The stairclimber is so easy, and Rhiann feels safe in it, she is very routine-orientated. AAT trained me and my wife, so either of us can use it on our own. For safeguarding, we have a harness attached so Rhiann is secure even if she has a seizure during the transfer process (she suffers from epilepsy too). We’ve had the stairclimber eight years now! The design of the staircase means it’s not practical to fit a stairlift, and to be honest, we prefer the stairclimber to the through-floor lift we had, as it frees up space with is in short supply anyway. The design of the stairclimber, with arms that swing out of the way to aid transfer, also makes moving Rhian from it to her specialist hospital bed much easier for us. It reduces the strain on us physically, and reduces the number of transfers, as we can just slide her across. Before, we had to transfer her from the through-floor lift to an H hoist and then from the hoist to bed.

When Katie first tried the S-Max, she thought it was brilliant. It seems like a fairground ride to her! AAT advised that the stairclimber be accessorised with a harness to properly support Katie and ensure she was safe. It has removed the risk for Katie and risk of injury to ourselves from the whole process.

One of the major benefits for us as a service is that AAT offers a universal, adaptable stairclimber that can be used for children of all ages. That is appealing for our re-issue, as we only need carry one type. We can contact AAT’s team members direct, which further expediates accurate, timely intervention. Coupled with the support AAT provides, it makes provision of stairclimbers for our children efficient and cost-effective.

By having the three AAT stairclimbers, we have uniformity and consistency throughout the site, so staff know how to use the equipment wherever. It is reassuring to know that our less mobile visitors have appropriate support to exit the Castle if needed. Fortunately, to my knowledge, we have never had to use them in an emergency.

I don’t have the capability to carry Cecilia on my own, it’s not safe for either of us. Cecilia desperately wanted me to take her up to bed, and would cry because I couldn’t. Now I CAN do it, she’s so happy that mummy is taking her to bed. She loves it and asks ‘more’ as soon as we get to the top of the stairs! The stairclimber has transformed our daily life.

The stairclimber’s a brilliant bit of equipment. It’s meant we can make it a really full life for Daniel. On a practical level, because of his health issues Daniel requires 24-hour care. The stairclimber is so easy, everyone can use it- whether it’s Daniels’s dad who is 6ft 3ins to his smallest carer who’s only 4ft 11 ins. Crucially, it supports and holds Daniel safely and correctly. It just works for us.

We all think it is brilliant! We were a bit wary at first, but once we were shown how to use it, and adjust the speed to suit what we are comfortable with, we all love it, even Dad. With the various harness straps, we know Dad is safe during the transfer, with no risk of him catching his legs even in chorea. I can’t imagine life without it.

It was such a revolution I wouldn’t let them have it back! The stairclimber is essential, I wouldn’t be without it, there’s no other way of safely getting April up and down stairs. Carrying her up and down stairs was a recipe for disaster. The stairclimber made it safe, for me and April. It’s good for the whole family: when we’re not using it, the S-Max stows away. With three other children too, it can be a very full house at times! It doesn’t visibly impact on the household like a stairlift or through-floor lift would. One of the other beauties is we can pack it into the car for family holidays, widening the choice of where we can stay.

The AAT equipment is amazing. My staff were very impressed too: they don’t have to lift anything, just push a button! AAT were amazing with the speed they responded to my enquiry, delivered the machine and trained my staff.