We’re delighted to share with you the brilliant expert‑by‑experience life hacks and suggestions that so often come up in our socials and classes, so that more can benefit from the top tips that can make everyday life a little easier.
A special place for YOUR recommendations
💡 Life Hacks - Little tips that make a big difference.
🏢 Organisations - Big businesses to small charities to government schemes that offer something that can make life a little easier.
📺 Viewing - This covers everything entertaining or educational in all its glorious formats including online learning opportunities.
🧰 Equipment - Anything that makes functioning a little, or a lot easier.....
Please note, some of the links below might have affiliate links which means, when used, they could help generate income for Mobilates.
Disclaimer: Suggestions from Da Mob members are based on personal experiences. While these listings aim to help you, what works for one person may not work for another; therefore, it is important that you use your discretion when trying any recommendations. Mobilates and individual members cannot be held responsible for anything you try.
Life Hacks
At Home
Hands free Hairdryer Stand
This is one of my favourite examples of a disability hack that helps everyone. It was one of the first things I got when I became disabled and have had a couple of different versions over the years.
The hair dryer stand I use now is actually designed for drying pets, but it works perfectly for humans too. Instead of holding a heavy hair dryer or lifting my arms above my head, I can sit comfortably, rest my arms, and still dry my hair properly.
For anyone with chronic pain, fatigue, joint issues, shoulder problems, or limited mobility, this can make hair washing days far less exhausting. It also helps if standing for long periods is difficult. Added bonus you can do your pets too!
This top tip comes from the Chronically Jenni website that you can find here
Lets face it cleaning with a chronic illness is not the same as for a pinterest photoshoot. if you choose a room to focus on and set a timer for 10 minutes. Clean and when it goes off, stop, whether you’re done or not. This removes the psychological dread of “I have to clean the whole kitchen” and replaces it with “I only have to do 10 minutes.” Often you’ll find 10 minutes was enough anyway, and if not after a break you can always go back and do another 10 minutes if you really need to.
Good Enough Standards
Kitchen
Dishes in the dishwasher, counters wiped, Bins not overflowing
Bathroom
Toilet clean, sink wiped, towels hung up
Living Room
Sofa cleared, floor passable
Bedroom
Pillows and Duvet or blankets on the bed and clothes off the floor
That’s it. If all four of those things are true, your house is clean enough.
Thanks Saheera for sharing the blog with the Facebook group recently,
to go to the full blog tap the link here
Cutting Veg with Scissors
The Mob Magic group recently had a discussion about the challenges of chopping veggies, and many said that using scissors for lighter-weight vegetables can make it easier. For tougher vegetables people found using and Ulu or Reflex Preparation Knife helpful. We’ve added their fantastic recommendations to the equipment section below.
A huge thanks to the Magic Mob for sharing this awesome hack!
Being able to stay seated while moving around reduces fatigue and helps me conserve energy for other tasks. It also lowers the risk of pain flare-ups and makes everyday activities like cooking or tidying more manageable.
This is a great option for anyone who struggles with standing, balance, or endurance
This top tip also comes from the Chronically Jenni website that you can find here
Out and About
Rachel one of our Mob members asked us to pass on this message "Huge thank you for Monday's Pilates members for advising me to book passenger assistance for my train journey to London. It worked really well and I am currently writing this email from First Class as I was upgraded for free!" Passenger Assistance can be booked through there App. Click here to go to their Website to find out more
Rachel also wanted to add
"Thanks to Mobilates, I finally had the confidence to wear my "verified hidden disability badge". :)"
If you are interested in getting a Verified Hidden Disability Lanyard take a look at the National Disability Card website here
Thanks Rachel
Is there anything you do when you are out and about that makes leaving the house any easier?
Email info@mobiates.com to tell us all about it so we can share it with others who may find it helpful too.
Organisations
Advice, Information & Support
Mob member Morag’s mission with Tola Health is to help people achieve balance, relaxation, and well-being through reflexology and holistic therapies. With years of experience and a passion for natural healing, I offer treatments designed to support both physical and emotional health.
Relaxing foot and hand reflexology supports body and mind, helping you heal, restore balance and feel re-energised. Suitable for all ages, treatments may help manage a range of long-term and recurring conditions, including anxiety, depression, hormonal imbalance and digestive issues.
Tola Health also offers deeply soothing treatments that combine the holistic benefits of reflexology with techniques designed to reduce signs of ageing. Facial Reflexology or Oriental Face Massage eases tension in the face and scalp and naturally improves skin tone.
Morag offers in person treatments at her treatment room in Pinhoe, Exeter, while there is off road parking there are some steps into the building. If you are not local, or this access is not suitable for you do not be disheartened, she can offer short online sessions too. The link to the Tola Health website is here. She will be happy to discuss your requirements with you, or help you find a Reflexologist in your area.
Mobility Trust raises the funds to supply powered mobility equipment – specifically wheelchairs and scooters – to disabled people who cannot obtain them through statutory or other charitable means.
They also organise and pay for an assessment by a Senior Occupational Therapist to ensure that the equipment is absolutely correct for the individual’s clinical need, including any specialist seating needed.
Amazingly they also provide the first three years’ insurance and the first two years’ servicing absolutely free of charge!
Mobility Trust is unable to fund boot scooters or powered wheelchairs unless suitable vehicle adaptations—such as a boot hoist or ramp—are already installed. As part of the application process, all applicants will be required to provide copies of their bank statements to support their application. Find out more here
Mobility Trust has previously funded equipment for a Mob Member
PIPP Information Non-Profit CIC (PIPPIN) is a registered C.I.C, not for profit organisation, offering affordable online assistance with Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Work Capability – Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit (UC) claims.
PIPP Advocacy LTD (PIPPA) specialises in providing legal support for tribunal appeals for PIP, ADP, ESA, and UC Claims.
They do not offer advice or support by telephone as all questions and queries are dealt with online. Click here to go to their website
Thanks to everyone who has told us about PIPP Advocacy
If you're dealing with fatigue, check out the Cinnamon Club, part of Cinnamon Days, run by Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioners. They support those with ME/CFS, Long Covid, and Fibromyalgia. They offer:
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Monthly webinars on relevant health topics
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Blog posts for members and non-members
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A private Facebook group for support and sharing experiences
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A monthly newsletter with updates
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updates on current research
For a fee they can also connect you with a nutritional therapist for 1:1 support.
Clicking here will take you to their website
Thanks Anne for posting about the Cinnamon Club on the Mobilates Facebook group.
Money Saving
Many individuals with disabilities require a companion to fully enjoy the cinema experience due to various barriers related to their condition. A CEA Card, which can be used at most cinemas, allows you to bring someone with you for free. The card costs £6 and is valid for one year. The application is easy but does ask you to upload evidence of certain benefits if you are on them, although it also says that applications may be considered on a case-by-case if you cannot find supporting paperwork. You can go to their website by clicking here
Rachel
Viewing
Distractions
This is a Spotify playlist called Studio Ghibli for Sleep which is a collection of all the piano music in the Studio Ghibli films and very nice to listen to before bed! It's very peaceful and I prefer it to classical music because it's a bit gentler. Would also recommend their films! this is the Spotify link
Thanks Mia for the recommendation ; )
This is the podcast I listen to called the Plodcast as part of BBC's Countryfile and it's a mixture of soundscapes and people going on walks and interviews and I find it very soothing to listen to on those nights where I can't sleep and need something on in the background that isn't going to overstimulate me! Apple Podcast here
Thanks so much for sharing Mia
The Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley is an epic historical fiction saga following six adopted sisters who, upon the sudden death of their mysterious billionaire father ("Pa Salt"), are left with clues to trace their true heritages across the globe. Each book blends present-day discovery with rich, multi-generational historical flashbacks.
1. The Seven Sisters (Maia): Maia's journey takes her to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, uncovering a story of a 1920s Parisian woman connected to the building of the Christ the Redeemer statue.
2. The Storm Sister (Ally): Ally, a competitive sailor, travels to Norway to explore her roots, unearthing a connection to an aspiring 19th-century singer and composer Edvard Grieg.
3. The Shadow Sister (Star): The quiet and sheltered Star journeys to an antiquarian bookshop in London and the English countryside to discover a fiercely independent ancestor from the early 20th century.
4. The Pearl Sister (CeCe): CeCe leaves London for Australia and Thailand, learning about her Aboriginal heritage and a pioneering pearling family in the 1800s.
5. The Moon Sister (Tiggy): Tiggy takes a job in the Scottish Highlands and is led to Granada, Spain, exploring her Romany gypsy roots and the mystical heritage of flamenco dancers.
6. The Sun Sister (Electra): Electra, a high-fashion New York model, investigates her Kenyan heritage and uncovers a lineage tied to wealthy 1930s colonial society in Africa.
7. The Missing Sister (The Sisters): The six united sisters search for their lost seventh sister across the globe, revealing a broader story of courageous women who risked everything to change the world.
8. Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt: Co-authored by Riley's son, Harry Whittaker, this concluding novel finally reveals the enigmatic background, secrets, and life of Pa Salt himself
You can get the paperbacks on Amazon here or some are available second hand at The World of Books here
The Audio books are available here
Thanks Suzanne for telling us about these great reads!
Through unlikely bonds formed during night shifts at a local aquarium, Tova, an elderly widow, learns of a life-changing discovery that may bring her joy and wonder once again.
Starring Sally Field, Lewis Pullman, Joan Chen, Kathy Baker, Beth Grant, Sofia Black-D'Elia, Colm Meaney and Alfred Molina
Directed by Olivia Newman.
Based on the book by Shelby Van Pelt
The film is rated a 12 with warnings that it contains Language, Drug misuse and Suicide reference
This is the Netflix link
Recommended by Rachel
The spirited Bennet sisters navigate the minefield of the marriage market – but for bookish Mary, another path beckons. A new spin on Pride and Prejudice, starring Ella Bruccoleri. The first two episodes of the series detail the events of Pride and Prejudice from the point of view of Mary Bennet, the overlooked sister from the large Bennet family. The rest of the story follows Mary as she travels to London and the Lake District on a journey of self-discovery and romance.
You can watch it here
Thanks to everyone who has told us they have enjoyed watching it
Ruby Yao, a 33-year-old single woman who is searching for love, finds herself at the center of a mystery. After one of her ex-boyfriends passes away, others begin suffering the same fate -- mysteriously dying in the order she slept with them. As the body count rises, she is forced to confront her romantic past to figure out what is happening and how to stop the murder spree. Channel 4 link here
Thanks Sophie
Have you watched, read or listened to anything recently that gave you some time away from the everyday? We would love to include it here for others to enjoy. Email info@mobiates.com to tell us about it.
Learning & Understanding
We all face difficult conversations at some point, at work, at home, and with friends and family. So why do we so often feel unprepared to start them? And why do we doubt that raising issues will lead to a better outcome for everyone involved?
Nuala McGovern is joined by Psychotherapist, international conflict mediator and author Gabrielle Rifkind, TV and podcast host Vicky Pattison, Comedian and author Helen Thorn, Entrepreneur Izzy Obeng MBE, Former social worker Sophie Baker and Romance author, Talia Hibbert.
They cover topics such as divorce, health, death and safeguarding children. Exploring what makes conversations hard and the skills that help, from raising sensitive issues with loved ones to navigating tough discussions at work.
Nuala also speaks with Talia about how difficult conversations shape storylines and add drama in novels and on screen. You can listen to it here
Recommended by Rachel
What’s Up Docs? is a podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken tune in to the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing.
In this episode, they turn their attention to balance. Where does it come from, why is it so important for our health, and do some people naturally have better balance than others? They also explore how much we can improve it, and what we should be doing to maintain it.
To help them find their balance, they’re joined by physiotherapist and vestibular rehabilitation specialist, Maggie Stacey.
Whats Up Doc is available to listen to here
and you can listen to them continue their conversation with Maggie on Doctors Notes here
Thanks Kerry for mentioning this during a Monday Seated Pilates Class
Marta got in touch to tell us about the great Progressive Muscle Relaxation Audio that Wellbeing Services South Glasgow offers Marta finds the voice very relaxing. If you would like to give it a go you can go straight to the Youtube audio here
They have other relaxation resources here
Thanks so much for sharing Marta
Mobilates member Hannah is a Substack writer and has recently started an online writing group for her paid subscribers. (Subscription is just £3.50 a month or £35 for the year.)
Sessions run weekly on Thursdays, 7.30–8.30pm UK time (BST) on Zoom.
You can use the session however you need, Hannah will offer a writing prompt for those that are looking for inspiration, you are also free to work on your own writing projects or if you’d just like some quiet company while you go about other tasks, you are also very welcome.
You can find out more and subscribe here
Understanding Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder
by Claire Smith
This groundbreaking book, reviewed by many experts.
Claire Smith provides detailed descriptions of symptoms and associated co-morbidities, and has provided comprehensive, accessible, evidence-based information relating to diagnosis and management. Exercise, physiotherapy, surgery and the psychological effects of the disorder are discussed, as well as what to expect during clinical assessment, and much, much more.
From POTS to MCAS, and from clinical assessment to self-management - if you ever wished that you could find all of the information you need, together, in one place...Look no further
The book is available here
Thank you for the recommendation Kimberlee and Carol
Living Well with Chronic Illness: Write your own roadmap to healing in tough times
by Grace Quantock
I listened to this book in a weekend as I loved it so much. So many tips to working out how to keep moving forward in a positive way even when things feel horrendous. I really like the exercises too - and no, they are not physical exercises, they are like journal prompts that you can work through in your own time. Love it!
Amazon Link here
Thanks Leanne
I really loved this book. So many times I feel bad as I feel upset with how my body has let me down. This book spoke to me and explained all the feelings around denial, anger, sorrow and eventually acceptance but that, like with most experiences of grief, I move in and out of the stages on an ongoing basis. Amazon Link here
Thanks Leanne
Equipment
Miscellaneous
Simpled smart lock allows you to let people into to your home without needing to get up and open the door. You can lock and unlock the door via the app on your phone, or using your voice via Alexa. You can also grant access to people to let themselves in using passcodes, key fobs, key cards, phone tags, and you can give people access on a one time basis, a recurring basis (e.g. weekly at a set day and time) or permanently. Really handy if your energy or mobility is limited, or if rushing to get the door brings on your symptoms. https://simpled.uk/product-category/digital-door-lock/
Thank you Nicola for telling us about this handy hack
Do you ever come out of important appointments unsure of what has been said or agreed, you go to look at the notes you were writing only to discover illegible scrawl and a strange doodle? If so this could help. It is an AI voice recorder and AI Note taker. It says it offers fast and accurate transcriptions in 112 languages! it can also generate summaries, mind maps, and to-do lists.
The Starter package is free and comes with 300 AI transcription minutes per month. Or you can upgrade to the Pro Plan for £99,99/year or £17,99/month to unlock 1,200 transcription minutes.
Plaud NotePin is ultra-compact, weighing just 16.6 g. The 270mAh battery ensures 20 hours of continuous recording. A simple one-press operation to start or stop recording, with AI recording enhancement and noise cancellation
You can buy the basic kit from about £126.00
or you can get them with four wearable accessories (necklace, wristband, clip, or pin) for around £10 more. If you have a pacemakers, you will need to avoid wearing NotePin S on your chest area (including with lanyard, magnetic pin, or clip) due to its magnetism
Please make sure that you follow any laws or privacy restrictions before making any recordings.
Amazon have the basic one here and the one with accesories here.
Thank you Saheera for telling us about this in Move and Chat
Wellbeing
A mob member recently did a shout out on the facebook group for Electrolyte suggestions, As always da Mob stepped up and shared their recommendations
Home Made:
Several people said they make their own St Marks solution,
St Mark’s solution Ingredients for a one litre batch
• 20g (6 teaspoons) glucose powder* • 3.5g (a level 5ml teaspoon) table salt (sodium chloride) • 2.5g (a heaped 2.5ml teaspoon) sodium bicarbonate powder (bicarbonate of soda)
*glucose powder is not the same as sugar.
St Mark’s solution can be stored at room temperature in a bottle with a lid or in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The University Hospital, Southampton St Marks recipe PDF is available here
Fourfive:
Donna said "The energise and hydrate ones were a game changer for my functioning. Also contains some caffeine and lions mane though." They also do recovery and creatine Electrolytes too
Vidrate:
Rebecca wrote "they don’t have much salt. Great flavours but more for hydration. They do have one flavour with caffeine and one to help you sleep though so the trial pack is definitely worth a try."
High5:
was suggested by several people with one mentioning the Pink Grapefruit flavour in particular.
Other recommendations were DioraHydrate and Asda Oral Rehydration sachets
As always do check the ingredients of any products are right for you.
Click on a product image to head to the product on Amazon always remember you may find other suppliers at lower cost and special offers too
Thank you for sharing your expertise folks!
Although Cryo Sticks are marketed as a beauty tool, Sophie has let us know that she finds them helpful during Migraines, and they can also ease Sinus congestion. Cryo sticks are chilled stainless-steel facial massage tools that use cold therapy to constrict blood vessels, instantly reduce inflammation, and improve lymphatic drainage. they are designed to soothe, calm, shape the contours of the face and reduce puffiness, enhancing the skin's radiance and youthful glow.
Avoid using cryo sticks on broken skin or if you are prone to cold-induced migraines.
You can buy them at Superdrug here and on Amazon here
Thanks Sophie for telling us about these tools
Do you have any non medication things that help you deal with pain or discomfort? Email info@mobiates.com to tell us about it as someone else may find it helps them too.
Kerry has kindly sent us these Hay Fever survival tips
I favour a tool kit approach so in addition to antihistamines, eye drops, sunglasses and hats I like to use:
A non-drug physical barrier: my go-to is Becodefence Plus Allergy spray. I use it at night and in the day before I go outside. It does make my throat a bit dry but it helps prevent sinus pressure and congestion.
Environmental control: air purifier. I have a Philips Air Purifier 800 series that I bought a few years ago during a bad flare up and it has been so helpful. It’s quiet enough to not bother me at night, the light is very dim.
Soothing spray: I’ve been trying Xlear as recommended by a friend from overseas. It’s available from Amazon and a few pharmacies in the UK. The moisturising effects seem to last longer than Sterimar nasal spray and it helps relieve congestion.
Supplement: Quercetin. The idea is that this helps as a mast cell stabiliser and helps reduce excessive histamine release. Recommended to me by a couple of Mobilates members and I’ve found it really helpful. I take the WeightWorld one which lasts 3 months taking one morning and evening with a meal. As always do check side effects and interaction with any meds you are on. Click on a product image to follow the link.
Thank you Kerry
In the Kitchen
The flat Vixie rents doesn’t have a dishwasher so she got a tabletop one as she finds washing dishes kills her back. It doesn’t require any plumbing so great for renting, and also because it’s on the counter she doesn’t need to bend down. This one here is the cookology one Vixie got it is small so perfect for 1-2 people.
Thanks for sharing Vixie
Very good scissors for cutting up any vegetables that can be cut with scissors. also scissors are great at cutting pizza too! Click here to see them on Amazon
Thank for the recommendation Catarina
The Reflex Preparation knife is part of the Reflex range, known for its ergonomic design aimed at reducing wrist strain and improving ease of use. The contoured grip handle is closed and angled, minimising wrist movement and offering better control and comfort, particularly beneficial for users with limited wrist mobility or grip strength. Vixie she says it was a bit weird to get the hang of but it is easier to use than other knifes as the power comes from your arms which she finds easier. You can find the knife on the essential aids website here
Thanks for the recommendation Vixie :)
Oxo Good Grips Scissors can be a slightly cheaper option than the Frikars Scissors, The blades can also come apart for cleaning. The good grips range are really handy so other products they make are also worth checking out. The Scissors can be found here on Amazon
Thank for the recommendation Nicola
Mobility Aids
One Mob member says the turning circle is absolutely tiny and it's so comfy and supportive. It tilts in space as well as raises up so I can reach my kitchen sides or sit at a bar etc.
Since its introduction in 2019 the Q300 M Mini has been the most popular powerchair in the UK; 52cm wide for best-in-class indoor manoeuvrability, a comfortable and adjustable seating system and outdoor capabilities that outperform its size.
Well, now the best is even better thanks to the introduction of Q300 M Mini with Sedeo Pro seating.
The SEDEO PRO seating system combines a highly adjustable and configurable seating frame with the broadest choice of support and positioning options. Through the sheer number of options available, SEDEO PRO seating can be completely tailored to the individual.
I have had good experience with Etech Mobility, having bought my Electric Wheelchair from them last year. Their staff really understand their products and want to help people make the right choice and get the right product, even if it means less money for them. I like that they say this on their website "At Etech Mobility, we specialise in electric wheelchairs that are as individual as the people who use them. With a wide range of colours and premium upholstery options, we turn mobility equipment into something expressive and personal." as you can see from the picture above they even have some Mobilates colours! although mine isn't pink I certainly wish I had got it sooner. This link here will take you to their website
Thanks to Mobilates Members that have shared their experiences of these companies
Mobility aids can be very expensive and many people who would benefit from them don't meet the criteria for NHS, There are several charities that accept grant applications for Mobility Equipment. One example is the Mobility Trust whose details you will find in the Organisations section of this page. In time we would love to add the details of other similar grant awarding charities that help people with Mobility challenges so please let us know if you hear of any.
Facebook usually stops people from listing wheelchairs on Market Place but there is a Facebook group called Wheelchair Users Uk - Sales. They may be worth checking out if you are looking looking for second hand equipment here
In Exeter, Devon the ExeAccess shop in Exeter city centre not only includes the Ring and Ride bus service and mobility equipment hire they also have a good selection of second hand mobility equipment for sale. This link will take you to their website. If Exeter is too far for you there may be a similar service local to you.
Do you have any top tips? if so Da Mob would love to hear them so please send your LOVE suggestions to info@mobilates.com for inclusion in the next newsletter and on this page.