Our latest news
Finding Home at Bluebell House
Moving into a care home can feel like a huge step. At Bluebell House, that step is met with patience, warmth and care. Over time spaces become familiar and new routines turn into moments of joy.
How Optalis Embeds Dignity in Daily Support
As part of Dignity Action Month, we’re highlighting how our teams keep dignity central to the support we provide, through the environments we create, training, and daily practices.
Optalis teams help Children In Need
This month, staff from Optalis teams joined forces to raise money for Children In Need. Staff members raised a total of £310 for the cause, by organising fundraising activities such as "wear your onesie to work day", raffles, a "name the bear" competition, cake-selling, and a sponsored swim.
Optalis make Great British Care Awards final!
Optalis are proud to announce the news that two of our staff members have made the finals of the Great British Care Awards! The awards celebrate excellence across the care sector and pays tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work.
Therapeutic art sessions at Suffolk Lodge
Residents from Suffolk Lodge, all of whom suffer from a form of dementia, are attending week two of a six-week art course, run by local artist Patrick Harte, this week. The theme will be “shoes and boots”.
Things get a little 'spooky' at Optalis
Our Earley and Woodley Day Service held a Halloween workshop on October 31 at the Crescent Centre - where customers made masks and broomsticks! There was also Halloween-themed quiz and games.
Optalis customers get IT right!
During October, Optalis began running what has since become a very popular computer session, called IT4U. Sessions take place every Monday afternoon in the Computer Suite at the Crescent Centre (Lower Earley), where customers have access to ten computers and a laptop.
Driving Up Quality at Optalis
Optalis is pleased to announce that we have signed up to a new initiative called the Driving Up Quality Code to ensure we aim beyond minimum standards to improve the lives of people with a learning disability, to whom we provide care and support.
Police visit to Earley Day Service
Customers using our Day Service (based at the Crescent Centre) had a treat on Thursday September 19, when two police officers from Thames Valley Police’s Earley Neighbourhood Team - PC Adie Hodges and PC Dominic Prime - attended the Crescent Centre to give a small group of our customers a talk. They explained who they were, what their role involved, and described how they worked within the community.
Appointment of new Board member: Sue Redmond
Optalis is delighted to announce the appointment of Sue Redmond as an independent non-executive director of the Company with immediate effect. She brings a wealth of knowledge from 35 years’ experience of adult social care
Our Day Service receives some excellent praise!
Our Day Service in Optalis has been really touched this month by a number of compliments received about the service and our staff. Here's just a selection: "I would like to say that Luke's transition into day service at the Crescent Centre has gone beyond my expectations, I was very worried that I was making the right choices for my son, but I can hand on heart say that he is the happiest I have ever seen him."
Optalis sponsors Celebrate Age event
Next month sees the regular annual event that is Celebrate Age take place - on Tuesday October 1, 10am to 3pm, at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Lower Earley.
