Optalis

Graphic titled “Compliment of the Month winner – Jan Jones, Supported Employment Team.” The image includes the following quote in full: “He attended his first appointment with you today and had nothing but praise for you. He mentioned that he was unsure of what to expect from the meeting but was pleasantly surprised by how positive and encouraging it was. Initially, he wasn’t looking forward to the appointment and anticipated a very different experience.”

Congratulations to Jan Jones from our Supported Employment Team for making such a positive first impression. Her reassurance, encouragement and compassion helped restore confidence and truly reflected our values of respect and clear communication.

Supporting confidence, friendship and fun, Out & About have been busy! From golf to pizza making, flower arranging to meals out with friends. Here’s a look at what we've been up to recently.

www.optalis.org/locations/ou...

Finding Home at Bluebell House,” featuring the Optalis logo, text about a resident’s positive experience settling into the care home, and several photos showing staff supporting residents, a cosy lounge with a tea set, and the exterior of Bluebell House with its gardens. The design includes curved lines and circular graphics in pink, purple and grey.

When Josie moved into Bluebell House, her family expected something very different. What they found instead was warmth, laughter and a place that truly feels like home.

“The people here are friendly. We can have a laugh together and that’s important.” Josie

zurl.co/myvEc

Graphic titled ‘How Optalis Embeds Dignity in Daily Support.’ It explains how dignity is built into daily care, including Dignity Checks, personalised menus, homely environments and reflective team practices. Images show staff supporting individuals, a healthy eating plate and a quote about creating a homely environment. Includes Dignity Action Month and Optalis logos.

This month, we’re sharing how our teams keep dignity at the centre of everyday support.
From thoughtful environments to respectful interactions, it’s the small things that make a big difference.
zurl.co/UTs0K

Join our our Short Term Assessment and Reablement Team (START) team working alongside people in their homes, helping them rebuild confidence and everyday skills.

Apply through the link zurl.co/0vvbw

More info - please contact alison.reeves@optalis.org

The page features a story about Christine, her support, and her activities. It shows a photo of Christine with her friends at bingo and a photo of Christine smiling with a birthday cupcake.

Christine has been discovering the things she loves from seaside trips and shopping days to bingo with friends, with the support of her Outreach team.
Her confidence has grown, her world has opened up, and she’s enjoying life more than ever.
zurl.co/2KJQX

“Compliment of the Month winners – Boyn Grove Dementia Service.” The graphic includes a long thank‑you message praising the service for kindness, care, and support to a family and their loved one. Below the text, The team stand together, smiling and holding certificates and their certificate.

A huge congratulations to Boyn Grove Dementia Service, our latest Compliment of the Month winners!
This wonderful feedback from a family highlights the kindness and care shown each day by the team, and the positive difference they make to the people they support and their carers.

Flyer promoting Optalis' "Loddon Court Short Breaks Monthly Coffee Morning," held on the first Monday of each month from 10am to 1pm at 289 Loddon Court, Earley, RG6 7ER. It invites attendees to drop in, meet the team, explore the service, and enjoy light refreshments. Contact details and three supportive images are included: a cozy bedroom, a person looking out a window with "optalis" signage, and another bedroom with natural light.

"Lovely friendly feeling walking into Loddon Court, great hospitality, thanks."

Come see what makes Loddon Court special!
Monday 2 February | 🕙 10am–1pm
289 Loddon Court, Earley

Meet the team, and learn how our short breaks can support you.

zurl.co/a8NN9

#OpenDay #ShortBreaks #SupportServices

A recent housing options session brought services together and shared real stories to create a friendly space where people and families could learn, ask questions, and access the clear information they need to make big life decisions.
zurl.co/NewXN

A graphic titled “Good Teams Start With…” featuring an article about team culture in Optalis Community Living Services. The text explains how care, connection, and communication create supportive teams. It includes quotes about open-door leadership, celebrating successes, and valuing staff. There is a photo of a group of people sitting around a table with papers

Good teams start with care and connection.
In Community Living Services, these values aren’t just words, they’re everyday actions. From thoughtful updates and shared celebrations to open-door leadership.
How do you build a positive team culture in your workplace?
zurl.co/q3upQ

Certificate of shortlisting for the 2026 Community Rail Awards. The certificate states that the entry has been shortlisted in the category of “Empowering Diverse Groups.” It includes a green banner reading “OF SHORTLISTING” under the word “CERTIFICATE” in bold blue letters. The certificate shows sponsorship by EMR and logos for EMR, Community Rail Awards, H C Lavery (Events & Fundraising Manager), and Community Rail Network at the bottom.

We’re proud to announce that the Optalis Supported Employment Travel Ambassador Programme, delivered in partnership with the @Community Rail Network, has been shortlisted for the Empowering Diverse Groups category at the 2026 Community Rail Awards!
zurl.co/EI5LI

We invited team members to share positive feedback about their colleagues as part of our annual STAR Celebrations. We’re proud to build a culture where celebrating each other is part of how we work. Because positive feedback matters, and recognising great people helps make great teams even stronger.

The image features the Optalis logo with the tagline 'choices for living' beneath it. To the right, there is text that reads '12 Years of Commitment to Mental Health at Work.' Below this text, there is a graphic with various icons representing mental health and wellness, including a person meditating, a head with leaves and a heart inside it, and a checkmark. At the bottom right corner, there is an emblem stating '12 Years' and 'MINDFUL EMPLOYER' with a checkmark.

We’re proud to be signed up to the Mindful Employer Charter, working to build a culture where everyone feels supported, heard, and valued.

Find out more: 👉 zurl.co/W5Geq

#MindfulEmployer #MentalHealthMatters #WorkplaceWellbeing #Optalis

Last year we strengthened foundations, expanded services & invested in quality, all to help people live well & enjoy what matters most.

Here’s to more growth & connection in 2026!

View our 2025 highlights www.optalis.org/news/optalis...

#SocialCare #YearInReview #LivingWell #CareWithPurpose

As we step into a new year, we’re revisiting some of the reflections from our senior leadership team that continue to guide our work at Optalis.

Read more about Stephen’s role and values in his full interview. zurl.co/pZ9Mk

#NewYearNewGoals #LeadershipInsights #PurposeDrivenWork #OptalisValues

Flyer promoting Optalis' "Loddon Court Short Breaks Monthly Coffee Morning," held on the first Monday of each month from 10am to 1pm at 289 Loddon Court, Earley, RG6 7ER. It invites attendees to drop in, meet the team, explore the service, and enjoy light refreshments. Contact details and three supportive images are included: a cozy bedroom, a person looking out a window with "optalis" signage, and another bedroom with natural light.

Join us in January

Our next Loddon Court Open Morning is happening:
Monday 5 January
10am–1pm
289 Loddon Court, Earley, RG6 7ER

Pop in for a cuppa, a chat, and a tour of our short breaks service. We’d love to meet you!

#OpenDay #ShortBreaks

A festive greeting card featuring a hand-drawn Christmas tree with green branches, red decorations, and a yellow star on top. The background is beige with small decorative stars and swirls. Text reads: “Optalis – choices for living. Seasons Greetings 2025. Sending you peace, joy, and all the best this season has to offer.” At the bottom, a note says “Designed by Leigh.”

Seasons Greetings!
Wishing all our wonderful colleagues & the people we support a joyful holiday season filled with peace, love, and happiness. Thank you for your continued support this year!
We’re also excited to share our winning festive design, thank you to all who shared their creative designs.

This month, our Supported Employment team reimagined a festive classic—Jingle Bells—to highlight what supported employment is all about:
- Building confidence
- Opening doors
- Creating opportunities for everyone

A festive indoor gathering with several people dancing in pairs and selecting gifts from a large bag, in a cozy room decorated for Christmas. A Christmas tree with ornaments is visible on the left, along with colorful artwork on the wall.

A festive indoor gathering with several people dancing in pairs and selecting gifts from a large bag, in a cozy room decorated for Christmas. A Christmas tree with ornaments is visible on the left, along with colorful artwork on the wall.

A festive indoor gathering with several people dancing in pairs and selecting gifts from a large bag, in a cozy room decorated for Christmas. A Christmas tree with ornaments is visible on the left, along with colorful artwork on the wall.

This December, our Community Lives team hosted festive lunches at our Boyn Grove dementia day service, and what a celebration it was! With singing, a traditional Christmas dinner and gifts for everyone generously donated by FM Voyager. It was a day full of music, laughter, and festive cheer.

Festive Magic at Boyn Grove Community Lives!
The team truly brought the season to life with a wonderful festive trail, complete with a special visit from Mr & Mrs Claus and a beautifully handcrafted gift from the tree.
Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun and made this celebration so special!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and made our Carol event so special! It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate the season in such a joyful way. The event was filled with warmth and music, and we loved every moment!
Tell us your favourite part in the comments!

Our Year in Review is Live
This year, we’ve strengthened our foundations, expanded services, and invested in quality and innovation, helping people live well and enjoy the things that matter.
Discover the highlights www.optalis.org/news/optalis...

A huge shoutout to Focussed Friends, a group from Optalis Wokingham Community Lives.
They raised £256 with a bake sale and collected 2,068 nappies (plus hand-knitted blankets!) for BIBS – Babies in Buscot Support.
www.optalis.org/news/focusse...

Ability Catering team at a festive railway station event, serving hot drinks and homemade treats, with a choir performing in the background.

Ability Catering team at a festive railway station event, serving hot drinks and homemade treats, with a choir performing in the background.

Ability Catering team at a festive railway station event, serving hot drinks and homemade treats, with a choir performing in the background.

Our Ability Catering team kicked off a busy festive season at the Railways 200 celebration at Windsor & Eton Riverside Station's 166th Birthday. The team supported the event, serving warming drinks and homemade festive treats including mince pies and our tasty shortbread.

What a night! Our Winter Party was planned by a dedicated committee of team members and people we support, and it was a real success. With festive music, tasty food, and plenty of dancing, the event brought everyone together to celebrate the season.

Day 12: We think you’ll like us so much, you’ll want to recommend us to your friends and family via our Refer a Friend programme.
#ReferAFriend #CareJobs #12DaysOfBenefits

www.optalis.org/jobs

Day 11: Celebrate your special day your way! Enjoy an extra day off on your birthday – because you deserve it.
Tomorrow’s final perk is all about sharing the joy – check back!
#BirthdayLeave #CareCareers
Apply now at optalis.org/jobs

Day 10: We listen, through staff forums, surveys, and union partnerships. Your ideas shape how we work.
Tomorrow’s perk is all about celebrating YOU – don’t miss it!
#StaffVoice #CareJobs

Love perks and discounts? Apply now and start enjoying the benefits at optalis.org/jobs
Tomorrow we talk about YOUR voice – stay tuned!
#Perks #EmployeeBenefits #12DaysOfBenefits

Optalis Community Lives – Christmas Grotto Garden Trail. Enjoy our accessible sensory garden filled with Christmas magic, music, and a visit to see Father Christmas. Thursday 18 December, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Tickets £8 per person visiting Father Christmas – includes burger or hotdog (vegetarian option available), a drink, and a small gift for your tree. Free entry for parents and carers. Food and drink available at small cost. Boyn Grove Community Centre, SL6 6JE. 01628 685733

The Christmas Grotto Garden Trail is coming to Boyn Grove Community Centre!
Thurs 18 Dec - 5:30PM – 7:30PM
Explore our sensory garden filled with festive lights, music, food & drink, and meet Father Christmas!
Tickets: £8 per person visiting Father Christmas
Parents & Carers entry FREE
01628 685733