Find local services or traders
We recognise that sometimes the biggest battle is knowing where to start looking for the information you need.
We have gathered together information about the trades, services and organisations we get asked about most often - to help you make informed decisions.
Find a trade or service
We have collated a list of searches and links below for a variety of trades, services and organisations - click on a heading to expand it.
We strongly suggest that you read our Choosing a Reputable Trader Guide when making any selections or decisions.
View or print our "Choosing a Reputable Trader" guide
If you have trouble using the list of searches and links below then please contact us and we will try to provide the information another way.
DISCLAIMER
The results that are produced by the following searches are for information only. Age UK Wiltshire does not recommend any of the trades or services that will appear in the searches below, nor do we recommend the search providers. If you follow a link you will be taken to an external website, the content of which Age UK Wiltshire is not responsible for. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for more details.
Aids, Equipment and Technology
| List / Service | Suggested Search or Link | |
| Aids and equipment for independent living |
Did you know you can request a free assessment of your needs from your local authority's adult social care team? This could help by providing some aids and equipment for free, to help you manage more independently. Independent Living Centre - Semington Tel: 01380 871007 (by appointment only) - Local charity with large showroom where you can get free advice and try a variety of aids /equipment with professional guidance. They also have a list of retailers and a '2nd hand equipment' list Personal Alarms/Lifeline providers - Age UK Wiltshire info sheet Stairlift providers (hire or purchase) - Age UK Wiltshire info sheet |
Medequip retail Medequip provide Wiltshire Council community aids and equipment and also have a retail arm for customers to purchase equipent privately. Disabled Living Foundation (Living Made Easy) - independent guidance on choosing aids Handihelp - remains closed at the moment Age UK info guide - Adapting your home
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| Hearing and Vision aids for hire or purchase | ||
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Mobility aids and wheelchairs for short-term hire
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Independent Living Centre - Semington Tel: 01380 871007 - maintain a list of Wiltshire retailers offering equipment hire. Does your town operate a 'Shopmobility' scheme - these allow you to borrow a wheelchair or scooter to use around town and city centres? |
Red Cross Mobility Aids for Hire- Offer equipment for hire and sometimes able to take 2nd hand equipment to re-use. |
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Donating/ disposal of mobility aids and equipment |
Independent Living Centre - Semington Tel: 01380 871007 - collate and distribute a 2nd hand equipment list where you can freely advertise disability items locally Local charity shops may take simple equipment but it is best to ring and check. Age UK charity shops are managed by Age UK national; you can find your nearest one here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/charity-shops/ Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council have a paid-for bulky item collection service for larger items. You could list the item on a free-to-list website such as Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace - it may be just what another local person is looking for! |
If the item was provided through the NHS, social services or another support agency then they may take them back. If the item was purchased privately the supplier may have their own refurbishment or recycling scheme. For stairlifts, some local stairlift companies remove and refurbish these - see our ‘Stairlift providers (hire or purchase)’ list above Red Cross Mobility Aids for Hire- Offer equipment for hire and sometimes able to take 2nd hand equipment to re-use. Disability Equipment Sent Overseas (DESO) - collect crutches, walking sticks and wheelchairs to be sent overseas If you're paying someone to remove items or rubbish ensure they have a waste carrier license. |
| You could be entitled to extra money called 'Attendance Allowance' from the government to help with the additional costs of having a long-term health problem or disability. This could be put towards purchasing of aids, equipment and services. | ||
| Technology and computer support / training |
Abilitynet - national charity offering free IT support at home for many types of technology. Also a number of useful factsheets on choosing tech for people with impairments e.g. mobile phones, computer aids. Tel: 0800 269545 Learn My Way - free user-friendly online training Bobby Van - local charity currently offering free 'Stay safe online' training Swindon Adult Community Learning scheme - free courses for eligible Swindon residents Safer and Supportive Salisbury 'Get Connected' project - for people who do not have internet but who would like to be able to communicate with friends and family and follow online activities such as fitness, church services, news. Contact: Jane Ebel - 07515822479 / musecic@gmail.com Wiltshire Sight - Support with technology (for those with a visual impairment) |
Wiltshire Digital Drive - work with community projects and organisations to provide refurbished laptops and tech Have you asked your library or local college about computer classes? University of the Third Age (U3As) is an organisation that promotes life-long learning and engagement. Your local branch may have an IT club you could join. Some banks have 'digital champions' for money-related issues e.g setting up online banking
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Health and Wellbeing
| List / Service | Suggested Search or Link |
| Chiropodist/ Podiatrist / nail cutting (incl. home visits) |
The College of Podiatry Tel: 020 7234 8620 Chiropodists, Podiatrists and Footcare Practitioners list - Age UK Wiltshire info list |
| Dentists | |
| Hairdressers- Mobile / Home visiting | Mobile hairdressers - Age UK Wiltshire info list |
| Opticians- Mobile / Home visiting | HousingCare.org |
| Local lunch clubs, social opportunities and groups | See Age UK Wiltshire's dedicated Clubs and Groups search page |
Housing, Care and Help at Home
| List / Service | Suggested Search or Link | |
| Did you know you can request a free assessment of your needs from your local authority's adult social care team? This could help by providing some aids and equipment for free, and potentially means-tested funding towards a care package. |
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| Sheltered Housing & Housing Options |
HousingCare.org - database of sheltered housing (select 'Housing' and type in postcode) Did you know most rented sheltered housing schemes are applied for through local council housing registers? Age UK info guide - Housing options EAC Housing Options for Older People tool (HOOP)- online questionnaire to guide you and provide further advice |
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| Care homes | NHS choices database of care homes (with CQC ratings)
Age UK info guide - Care homes
Age UK Factsheet - Finding, choosing and funding a care home |
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| Care at home / care agencies |
NHS choices database of Homecare agencies (with CQC ratings) Age UK info guide - Getting help at home Shared Lives Wiltshire (helps people live as part of a family, within the carers home, where they receive the support or care that they need) Wiltshire Centre for Independent Living - register of Personal Assistants and advice on becoming an employer and managing direct payments Which? Cost of care and eligiblity checker tool - compare estimated costs of care agencies and care home fees by area. HomeCare Association |
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| Support for self-funders of care |
Wiltshire Centre for Independent Living - advice on employing a Personal Assistant Care Home Selection - care agency and care home finders service (free and independent) |
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| Domestic help |
Domestic help can be tricky to find and, as with other services, we're not able to recommend any individuals or companies. Why not ask friends or neighbours locally for recommendations or check your local church or parish newsletter? |
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| Food and shopping options | ||
| Furniture charities, recycling and collection |
Wiltshire Council large item collection (paid for service)
Many charity shops also offer free collection services for good quality items for donation. |
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Local Authorities
| Wiltshire Council |
General enquiries tel 0300 456 0100 Adult social care team tel: 0300 456 0111 Email: AdviceandContact@wiltshire.gov.uk For Adult Safeguarding contact the Wiltshire Council Social Care Help Desk on 0300 456 0111 or email adviceandcontact@wiltshire.gov.uk. If you are calling out of hours then please call the Emergency Duty Service on 0300 456 0100.
What to do if you're concerned about someone - Age UK national information |
| Swindon Borough Council |
General enquiries tel: 01793 445500 Adult Social care team tel: 01793 445500 For Adult Safeguarding contact the Swindon Borough Council Adult Safeguarding Team on 01793 463 555 or email adultsafeguarding@swindon.gov.uk If you are calling out of hours you can call the Emergency Duty Service on 01793 436699 |
Home Maintenance, Energy and Security
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Bobby Van Tel: 01380 861155 Offer free home security checks across Wiltshire for older people and those who are otherwise vulnerable or disadvantaged. They can also fit security equipment including keysafes. |
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Home Improvement Agency / Handihelp service Update Oct 2020 we understand that the Handihelp service is not currently operating since Feb 2020. Also see the 'Trades and Services' section below. |
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Wiltshire and Dorset Fire Service Tel: 0800 038 2323 Offer free 'Safe and Well' home visits across Wiltshire to help you keep safe and healthy at home. Can check and fit smoke alarms where required. |
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Help with energy and winter warmth We produce a Spread the Warmth leaflet - information on local and national schemes relating to improving energy efficiency, extra money for heating costs and energy saving advice. |
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Warm & Safe Wiltshire https://www.warmandsafewiltshire.org.uk/ Tel: 0800 038 5722 A Local service provided by local councils and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service, in partnership with Centre for Sustainable Energy, to deliver a comprehensive free energy advice service for Wiltshire and Swindon residents. The service offers: • Advice on eligibility for various energy grants • Advice on insulation, heating and draft proofing and guidance on resolving damp and condensation issues • Guidance on heating systems and controls • Advice on understanding your fuel bills, managing fuel debt and switching energy suppliers
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Trades and Services
Don't forget to read our "Choosing a Reputable Trader Guide"at the top of this page
Yell.com, Dentons.net are other information sources for many types of local businesses but are not checked or endorsed.
| List / Service | Suggested Searches | ||
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Do you live in Swindon? Swindon Council have their own Trading Standards approved list of traders |
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| Builders and DIY (also see 'Home Maintenance' above) |
Handyperson and DIY list - AUKW info list See also 'Home Maintenance, Energy and Security' section on this page |
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| Electricians | NICEIC register of electricians | ||
| Gardening Services | |||
| Painters and Decorators | The Painting and Decorating Association | ||
| Plumbers | |||
| Plumbers (Heating engineers) | Find an APHC Installer | ||
Travel and Transport
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Blue Badge Scheme A concessionary parking scheme for people with severe mobility problems. Available from your local authority: Wiltshire Council Tel: 01225 713002 Swindon Borough Council Tel: 01793 445500 |
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Public Transport > Bus Pass and Taxi Vouchers schemes - A concessionary travel scheme for older people and people with significant mobility problems. Taxi vouchers may be available if you cannot make use of your bus pass. Contact your local authority: Wiltshire Council or Swindon Council. Connecting Wiltshire - Help for planning a journey in Wiltshire by car, bus, train and walking, including bus times and details of bus companies. Goingcarfree.com Tel: 023 8055 4100 -a travel awareness campaign delivered by Wessex DriveAbility giving information and advice to people who are giving up driving, to help them get around more easily, using a range of travel choices and options. |
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Community Transport and LINK Schemes List of local voluntary groups in Wiltshire that provide transport for people who struggle to get out and about e.g. getting to medical appointments - most towns have a scheme. Wiltshire Community First - compile the transport and LINK Schemes across Wiltshire. Note that each scheme has an individual contact number. Akcess provide 'Steps for You' subsidised community transport in Swindon borough Swindon Dial-a-Ride provide community transport to Swindon residents |
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Transport to hospital Non Emergency Patient Transport to hospital - (NEPTS) for those that require transport to/from hospital and are unable to get there themselves. Eligiblity criteria is set by the government and based on whether someone's medical condition prevents them from travelling by any other means. NHS volunteer responders (during COVID19) - Patient transport is available via a professional referrer such as GP or health professional. A local taxi service or ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ service may be an option if you are not eligible for other schemes or cannot use public transport because of your health. Also see Link Schemes above and the individual hospital websites will usually have a 'Find us' or 'Travelling and directions' page. |
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Disabled access toilets in the community (Key scheme) Disability Rights UK – RADAR keys £5.00 (excl. VAT) with free delivery Tel: 020 7250 8191 Other places to try: Selected Scope charity shops, Independent Living Centre (Semington) and local town councils may have stocks. |
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RiDC (Research Institute for Disabled Customers) The RiDChave a number of useful guides including: mobility scooters and scooter insurance choosing and using an adapted vehicle |
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Wheelchair accessible taxis |
Money and Legal
| List / Service | Suggested Searches | ||
| Benefits and extra money |
Ask us for a free income maximisation check - we can check your eligibility for welfare benefits and explore other areas of financial support like help with health costs, grants and other schemes!
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Wiltshire Surviving Winter Grant Wessex Water Pension Credit discount Council Tax Discounts - non-means-tested. Including for certain carers and people with a disability– check with your local council |
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| Planning ahead |
Age UK 'Lifebook' - free downloadable booklet helps you to gather together useful information and contacts in one place |
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| Financial Advice (incl. for care planning) | |||
| Free Debt Advice |
Community Money Advice Projects (South Wilts, Melksham, Trowbridge, Corsham,BoA) |
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| Legal advice | Beacon (NHS CHC appeals and challenges) | ||
| Wills |
Age UK info guide: Wills and estate planning Nationalfreewills.net - list of participating charities that offer free wills |
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| Powers of Attorney |
Office of the public guardian: Hints and tips to avoid common mistakes with forms |
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Our Resources
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Age UK Information Guides and Factsheets
Age UK produces free information guides and factsheets on a wide range of topics, including home adaptations, benefits, dementia, and advice for carers.
You can find a complete list of guides and factsheets on the Age UK national website.
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Little Book of Useful Information (Wiltshire)
This little guide has details of some of the most commonly asked questions about local services and organisations.
Can't find what you are looking for?
If you are looking for a trader in your local area you could also try the following:
- Word of mouth is often a good source of local information - friends, family or a neighbour may be able to recommend someone from their own experiences.
- If you are looking for a trader, you can try looking on the TrustMark government-endorsed tool to find tradespeople or Trading Standards - Buy With Confidence which is endorsed by local Trading Standards departments.
- Town, parish and church newsletters or websites often have current information about local traders and services. We have some of these listed Village, town and parish newsletters and area specific resources
- Yell.com, Dentons.net are information sources for local businesses but are not checked or endorsed.
Please help us be there for older people in need
By donating today, you could help us answer more calls to our advice line, provide volunteer support for older people struggling to manage on their own and provide regular friendship calls to people who are desperately lonely.