Community Lives
Our Community Lives service offers stimulating activities where you can develop skills, find companionship and improve your well-being.
We can help you live the life you enjoy to the full, with lots of activities and advice!
Having the chance to mix with other people, visit different places and learn new things can help stop you from feeling bored or isolated. Knowing the importance of people feeling like they are a part of their local community and not being restricted to a traditional day centre, Community Lives offers customers the opportunity to take part in activities in their local area including art classes, sporting activities and drama projects. Groups also collaborate with local projects and organisations to help improve the community they live in.
We work with a variety of people, all with different physical and learning disabilities, as well as older people. Making sure the activities are tailored to them is incredibly important and by working with other local groups and services, we’re able to do just that. We want everyone to learn something new, whether that’s increasing confidence, becoming more independent or learning skills to put to use in the workplace. Our aim is that everyone comes away feeling like they’ve achieved something
We provide plenty of opportunities to join in with what’s happening in your community, with our service designed to meet different needs and interests every day of the week. We focus on helping you meet your personal goals through our person-centred support.
Our team will help you with all of your support needs, from medication to personal care or emotional support, so that you feel safe and comfortable while you are with us.
Find out more about our Community Lives services here
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Team Optalis at Parallel Windsor
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On Sunday 2nd July, Team Optalis joined the Parallel Windsor event held in Windsor Great Park and along the Long Walk. Parallel is an inclusive event held for the first time in Windsor this year, having had previous success at the Olympic Park in London.
With Challenge Events for everybody of all ages and abilities, the event also included the Festival of Inclusivity and Charity Village, where groups from a wide range of different areas pitched up. These areas included; Community, Leisure, Arts & Play, Lifestyle and Mind Sports.
Team Optalis represented in the Community zone and customers from our Community Lives services and ILS homes in Windsor and Maidenhead, participated in the Challenge Events with Elliott smashing the 5k, which passed the historic Copper Horse at the top of the Long Walk and the rest of the Team thoroughly enjoying the Super Sensory 1k. Phillipe loved going through the ‘Car Wash’ and Team Captain Martin laughed his way through the bubbles and fans along the way.
Daisy – “It was better than I thought and I was really pleased that I decided to go. The best part was the Sensory Walk and I really liked being with my friends.”
Our friends from Leisure Focus and Maidenhead Magpies were there and Tashfeen couldn’t resist a photo with Yorkie the Mascot ! Jade enjoyed finding out what other opportunities she could try (Absolute Karting being top of her list), Jeremy was interested in all the different stalls and activities, Daisy was proud to receive her medal and bravely held an owl and Norean just loved exploring all the different tents and marquees. Katie and Rachel also joined us and enjoyed the atmosphere and cheering on all the competitors.
Claire – supporting Norean – “Parallel gave the opportunity for Norean to experience a fully inclusive event. She is happiest within a Sensory environment and during the Super Sensory walk, Norean was interactive and fully engaged, clapping and vocalising with happy sounds. It was really rewarding and a privilege to support her for an amazing day out.”
It was a fantastic day and great to see so many people from different places, many travelling from different parts of the country, enjoying being part of something very special.
We spotted some famous faces giving their support and joining in the Challenge events; Ellie Simmonds GB Paralympian Swimmer and Strictly Star, Isaac Harvey MBE and Comedian Rosie Jones with coverage from the BBC sharing how important it is for people of all abilities to be included and how it CAN be achieved. The ethos of Parallel being “we start together, finish whenever
Andrew Douglass, the event organiser with Parallel Lifestyle promoted the event and has secured a 5 year residency with RBWM and The Crown Estate for the event to continue as an annual fixture. We're looking forward to joining in again next year!
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Big plans to celebrate the King's Coronation
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A majestic life-sized lion statue is being made from natural materials by residents with learning disabilities and additional needs to celebrate His Majesty King Charles III’s coronation.
The seated male lion, complete with crown, sword, shield, orb, and sceptre, has been an art project by residents who attend Community Lives Day Services. The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead’s day services are provided by adult social care partner Optalis.
Artist-in-residence Jo Werret is helping the people Optalis supports to create the magnificent statue, echoing the lions on the Royal Standard flag.
When complete he will sit on a wooden pedestal, also made from scratch, and proudly displayed in Windsor Yards shopping centre in the run-up to, and during, the Coronation weekend.
He is made of materials from nature which sits at the heart of His Majesty’s ecological ethos.
The statue is being created out of moss, pinecones, grasses, bark, and branches, and will eventually become a bug hotel at Boyn Grove Community Resource Centre, Maidenhead.
Jo said: “We have collected items from the garden at Boyn Grove and the people we support have been going out and collecting items they find on nature walks or through Community Lives conservation projects.
“One person found beautiful black feathers and brought them to us and now they are his eyelashes.
“Everybody has done what they can whether it be finding items, weaving bits into the sculpture, or making and painting the other items like the shield. It’s an extremely tactile and inclusive piece of art and we have all enjoyed making him together.”
He has been named Mfalme, which means king in Swahili, linking the lion to its native African habitat and the Commonwealth country of Kenya.
Victoria Holt, Community Development Manager for Optalis, said: “Living in the Royal Borough we are at the forefront of the Coronation celebrations, and we wanted to do something to commemorate this special occasion.
“What we do best is working together, and we involve the people we support and our support staff who have a range of different talents to share.
“We have groups who love to do arts and crafts, knit and crochet as well as some who do conservation or woodwork.
“This has been a collaborative project where all those skills are being used. Everybody has really enjoyed being part of creating this magnificent lion.
“We want to share what the people we support can do and it is why we are exhibiting him in Windsor around the Coronation weekend before it returns to Boyn Grove Day Services to start another life as a bug hotel.”
Residents have also learned to sing and sign the national anthem using Makaton, a communication system for people with disabilities.
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Our latest activities
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkWe're pleased to share our latest activities list!
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Boyn Grove Community Lives team find new way to celebrate customer achievement
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The team at Boyn Grove Community Centre have been celebrating customer success this week. In the first of a series of award sessions, customers received a pin badge which tracks the progress they are making, along with a certificate.
Victor Doyle, Senior Activity Support Organiser, explained:
“All of us are continually learning and developing and we wanted to share and celebrate the success of our customers. Some of them have been making a huge effort for a long time and having their efforts acknowledged really means a lot to them. It has been brilliant to be able to have bespoke badges carved to help as a visual reminder of what they have achieved.”
The team, who work alongside people to develop their skills and interests, record each success in different areas of interest. The categories include:
- Health, Wellbeing, and Exercise
- Friends, Relationships, and Community
- Independent Living and Life Skills
- Volunteering and Vocational Learning
- Arts, Dance and Music
Vicki Holt - Optalis Community Development Manager added
“We wanted to find a way to celebrate and acknowledge the progress each person makes on their journey to their goals. These might be small steps over a period of time, but each of those milestones really do matter.
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Easter Fair
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Community Lives volunteering and being part of the popular Easter Fair run by Clewer & Dedworth Community Events - Official Page including the ever-popular stall by ArtAble!
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Customer Story - Reconnecting with friends, post Lockdown through group activity
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Felicity has been using the local Community Lives day support services for many years, including Boyn Grove Resource Centre. Both staff and customers have known each other for many years and have developed long standing relationships. At Boyn Grove people regularly enjoyed social lunchtimes and a wide variety of activities prior to the pandemic.
Felicity explained, "I have been coming to the Boyn for 30 years. I have lots of friends, and I miss them."
As lockdown measures started to ease the team at Community Lives looked at ways they could follow the required safety measures, include plenty of fresh air and space to socially distance, and created a schedule of communitybased sports activities.
Shortly after the sessions commenced, Felicity became unwell for a time and hated missing her sessions and friends, as Felicity herself said, "I did not like missing my sessions. I like to be with all my friends."
Charlie, Senior Activities Support Organiser at Boyn Grove, explained how Felicity was so excited to see one of her long-standing friends at the session on the Monday. “They’ve known each other for so long and just enjoy seeing each other”.
Some sessions are aimed at older people and offer seated exercise using stretch bands, stress balls and lively music. The short break in the middle of the session for a cup of tea and a chat, allows everyone a chance to re-connect and enjoy a social space. John, Senior Activities Support Organiser outlined the sessions’ aims; “The focus is on rebuilding strength and co-ordination. We know people have been much less active during lockdown and it’s really important to get back into moving to help people maintain their skills and abilities.”
Community Development Manager Vicky Holt emphasised the accessible nature of the groups and stated, “We all know the importance of trying to be more active… these sessions are helping people to make new friends or see old ones, have fun and enjoy the facilities in their local neighbourhood.”
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Community Lives Team collaborates with Maidenhead FC to hold 'Walking Football' sessions
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Community Lives Team collaborated with Maidenhead FC hold 'Walking Football' sessions
A new collaboration between the Community Lives Team and Maidenhead FC offering ‘Walking Football’ sessions for the people we support.
The Community Lives team have been working Maidenhead Football Club, Magpies in the Community, to offer football for all! An exciting new collaboration has given people with a range of support needs, the opportunity to meet outside and enjoy some healthy exercise. Working in partnership with the people we support, Maidenhead FC and the Community Lives Team, have created a fun and lively football session.
There are very few opportunities for those who have additional needs to access ‘mainstream’ exercise such as going to the gym, keep fit classes and football, and Vicki Holt, Community Development Manager for Community Lives at Optalis is always looking for new ways to offer opportunities to the people we support. Vicki Explains:
The walking football group is slower paced, safer, and less aggressive than the ‘full speed’ version, but it still provides some powerful benefits. We were really excited to work with Maidenhead FC to establish this activity.
Team member Julian said : "I like scoring goals and I get to see my friends."And Adham, indicated that he likes the coaches and learning football skills.
The ‘Walking football’ sessions held at the football club have been attended by a regular group of men, supported by men. This has helped instil a sense of comradery, which has had knock-on benefits. The rapport between the group members and coaches has given people the opportunity to be themselves. The environment and atmosphere support the group to have fun exercise and enjoy the support and encouragement from each other.
Although football is important to David, another member of the group, it almost comes secondary to the social aspect as this is where David’s true personality shines through, with his obvious pleasure in seeing and meeting old friends.David says “I like to see my friends, we all laugh."
Richard's Story
Since his stroke, Richard uses a walking frame and has had low confidence. However, this didn’t stop him from playing football. The sessions have really helped his mobility.
He can dribble the ball some distance now and with support and encouragement from
his peers, he really enjoys taking part. He is much more enthusiastic and is visibly proud of his achievements, his smile says it all. The group’s support and encouragement for each other, means so much to him. Staff who support him at home as well as Community Lives have seen an improvement in his confidence and mobility.Being part of a group has created an environment where people can thrive. The Coaches have built positive relationships with the group members and see each person as an individual. Coach James, who supports the session each week, describes the benefits people are already experiencing :
"A massive improvement over the weeks, not just physically but their social skills. There has also been an improvement in their strength and hand-eye coordination."
Helen Park Community Development Officer at Maidenhead F.C says:
"This has been a fantastic opportunity for us to develop our partnership with Community Lives and provide the opportunity for individuals to take part in health and wellbeing activities in a safe environment. It’s great to see everyone getting involved, developing their skills, and having fun. It’s important that activities are available to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds and this is a great example of supporting community groups and making a difference."
The groups have been inclusive with everyone able to contribute and take part regardless of their ability and support needs. Vicki Holt concludes:
"The opportunities that Maidenhead F.C. have given us has been amazing. Collaborating has been so positive and motivating for the staff as well as the people we support. The social interaction and being part of the community, being with like minded people. We all feel the same things regardless of ability and background, that is what we hope to achieve, to share this. Not forgetting, the friendships we have formed."
This collaboration is one of many projects the Community Lives team have been developing to continue to offer stimulating activities where people can develop skills, improve well-being and play an active part in their communities. -
Community Lives joins a Tree Planting Day at Ockwells Park
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A group from Community Lives joined a Tree Planting Day at Ockwells Park on Saturday, 15th January.
The group had a great morning supporting their local community and doing their part for the environment. The team planted an impressive 25 trees, as part of the Queen's Canopy to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.
This was the first of many events to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee that Community Lives hopes to be part of.
Who's Listening
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Phone 07795 665732 Email victoria.holt@rbwm.gov.uk
Videos
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Highlights of our staff and services
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During the pandemic, we have offered our sessions online to allow people to continue to enjoy the activities they enjoy and see their friends.
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The team worked alongside a local theatre group to create short plays
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ArtAble members from our Boyn Grove Service showcased their incredible talent in an exhibition at Wexham Park Hospital in June as part of Learning Disability Week.