Our Bench – Accessible Equipment and Facilities for Your Holiday
Specialist Facilities & Equipment for Your Accessible Holiday
At Our Bench, we understand how important the right equipment is for a relaxing and stress-free holiday. That’s why we provide a wide range of specialist items as part of your stay at no extra cost. These essentials are available to help make your break easier and more comfortable. If any particular equipment is vital to your holiday, please confirm availability with us in advance.
How to Reserve Equipment
The easiest way to reserve equipment is by completing our equipment reservation form, sent to you once your deposit is received. Simply tick the items you require and include your booking details (lead guest name, cottage, 4-digit key code, and stay dates). We will always do our best to accommodate your needs.
Essential Points to remember when using extra equipment with us
- Booking in Advance: Equipment must be reserved in advance so it can be ready for your arrival. Your choices are confirmed once your deposit is paid, but we are reliant on guests leaving them in working order.
- Usage at Own Risk: Guests use all equipment at their own risk. Our Bench Accessible Cottages accept no liability for accidents, injuries, or equipment failures. Items must be returned clean, in good condition, and used only for their intended purpose.
- Hoists: If you plan to use a ceiling hoist or request a mobile hoist, you must bring your own slings, be trained in their safe use, and have at least two people present when operating.
- Some of the equipment has a load limit such as our hoists, electric beds, chairs etc - so please make sure you are aware of this - as the manufacture guidelines only cover them for a specific weight
- No Training Provided: Please note that we cannot provide demonstrations or training for specialist equipment.
- Safety Instructions: Always read and follow the safety guidance supplied with each piece of equipment, as models may differ from those you use at home.
Equipment Available In-House
We hold a wide selection of equipment to support your stay – from shower chairs and commodes to hoists and profiling beds. If you are unsure about suitability, please ask us in advance, or browse the detailed images below to see what is available.
New for this season: A Rotunda transfer aid and adjustable Sara Stedy is now available.
Frequently Asked Questions about Equipment, Care and Transport
Do I need to book specialist equipment in advance?
Yes, please. Equipment is reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Once your deposit is paid, we’ll confirm availability. If something essential isn’t available, we’ll let you know straight away.
What happens if I need equipment that isn’t listed?
You are welcome to hire additional items from local suppliers. Deliveries can usually be made on the Friday before your arrival. Please let us know in advance so we can make sure your cottage is ready and someone is available to accept the delivery.
Do I need to bring my own slings for hoists?
Yes. For safety reasons, you must bring your own slings and ensure at least two people are trained to use the hoist safely. We cannot provide training or slings.
Can I arrange carers during my stay?
Yes. We recommend contacting care agencies or private carers well in advance, as local demand is high. See our list of recommended providers and directories above.
Is shopping delivery available?
Yes. Supermarket deliveries can be arranged for the Friday before arrival (10 am–1 pm). For mid-week breaks, please check with us first. We’ll ensure your shopping is put away ready for you.
What transport options are available if we don’t bring a car?
Lymington and the New Forest are served by wheelchair-accessible taxis, assisted transport providers, and national services like Driving Miss Daisy. Advance booking is strongly advised, as vehicles are limited.
Do you provide oxygen or dialysis equipment?
No, but we can put you in touch with trusted providers for oxygen services and dialysis machines. These must be arranged directly with the suppliers listed on this page.
Photos of all our specialist equipment that is available during your stay with us
If you click on the images you can read all the crucial information about the items we can loan from the height, width, users weight and other details so you can be reassured if it is suitable for you and your needs.
Our Bench – External Equipment Hire, Care Services and Accessible Transport
Need Equipment That’s Not Listed Above?
If the equipment you require is not part of our in-house range, you are welcome to hire items from external providers. Deliveries can usually be arranged for the Friday before your arrival (between 10 am and 1 pm). Please let us know before booking delivery so we can ensure your cottage is ready and someone is available to accept it.
External Equipment Providers
The following companies have been used by our guests, neighbours and family, and may be able to help:
- Dorset Nursing Supplies – 01202 425070. Stand Aids, profiling beds, mattress overlays, scooters and standing hoists.
- Winton Health Care Solutions – 01489 896435. Replacement mattresses, overlays and air mattresses.
- Mobility Hire – Wheelchairs, hand-bikes, scooters, lift & tilt shower chairs, tilt & recline chairs, air flow mattresses.
- Mobility at Sea – 02392 000000. Scooters, power chairs, Rotunda, tilt-in-space shower/commode chairs. Delivery/collection Fridays.
- Richen’s Care – 01425 638006. Wide range of additional equipment delivered before arrival and collected after departure.
- Ableworld (Christchurch) – Scooter hire with delivery/collection. Daily and weekend rates available.
- Dialysis Machines – Contact Milford War Memorial Hospital (01590 644135), Totton (02380 660195), or Wessex Renal Unit (02392 0286000).
- Dolby Vivisol – Home oxygen services.
- New Forest Mobility (New Milton) – Mobility scooter hire with delivery and collection.
- Solent Mobility – Daily, weekly or monthly hire. Delivery within 40 miles of Lee-on-the-Solent.
- Hot Tub Hire – Local suppliers can deliver hot tubs during your stay.
- S.Mabbility – 07597 853610. Mobility scooter & wheelchair hire, mobile repairs, puncture fixes, batteries and spares. See our Mobility Repairs guide.
Need something else? Please ask – we understand every guest has different requirements and will be happy to advise or recommend a suitable supplier.
Care Agencies & Services
For extra peace of mind, you may wish to book support from local care providers. Due to high demand in the New Forest, please arrange services well in advance.
Care Directories
- United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA) – Use postcode SO41 8HH to search for approved carers.
- Hampshire Personal Assistants in Care – Directory of local PAs, many available for short-term work.
Recommended Care Providers
- VidaCare Services – Family-run company offering respite, companionship and personal care. 07340 051247.
- CAS Care Solutions – Local friendly team. 01425 600232.
- Oakhaven Care – Personalised care. 01590 646440.
- Bluebird Care (New Forest) – Respite care, based in Lymington.
- Forest Care – Home care services in New Milton. 01425 620906.
- Serendip Home Care – Person-centred care, companions and respite. 01590 7193501 / hello@serendiphomecare.co.uk.
Private Carers
- Monique Jessop – 07311 272273. View on Facebook.
- Emma Cleaver – 07928 499665.
Additional Services
- Shopping Delivered: Order groceries online for delivery on the Friday before arrival (10 am–1 pm). For mid-week stays, please confirm first.
- Herbert Protocol: If you are travelling with a vulnerable person at risk of going missing, consider completing this form. It helps emergency services respond quickly. Update every six months.
Taxis & Transfers – Wheelchair Accessible Options
- Accessible Transport – Pennington-based, rear-loading vehicle for wheelchairs, scooters and walkers. Call Brian: 01590 674764 / 07850 126844. Advance booking required.
- Tracey Scott-Nash Accessible Taxi Service – 0771 8907898.
- A2B Taxis Lymington.
- Hinton Cars (Christchurch).
- NFDC Licensed Accessible Taxis – Official list of wheelchair-accessible taxis/private hire vehicles in the New Forest. Book early – availability is limited.
Assisted Transport
- Driving Miss Daisy (Lymington) – Licensed and insured service with wheelchair accessible vehicles. Available for sightseeing, meals out or day trips. Call 01590 467679 or email lymington@drivingmissdaisy.co.uk. See their Facebook page.
Care Taxi / Minibus
- Friendly service with vetted carers. 9-seater, wheelchair accessible. Advance booking required. Call 01590 642121 or email serendiphomecare@gmail.com.
Holiday Transfers
- Driving Miss Daisy (National) – Home-to-holiday transfers available nationwide with 45+ teams. Visit drivingmissdaisy.co.uk or call 0333 014 6211.
