Published on
28 May 2026
Colin's story: Finding independence at home
Living in the right place, with the right support, changes everything
Social Care Future is a movement for change in Wokingham Borough - a shared vision that brings together organisations, community groups and individuals working toward communities where everyone can live in a place they call home, with the people and things that they love, in communities where we look out for one another, doing the things that matter most.
Wokingham Borough Council partners with organisations across the borough who share this vision. Optalis is one of these partners. Colin's story shows what becomes possible when someone has the right home, the right support, and the freedom to live the life they want.
Colin's story
Colin lives at a supported living house in Wokingham Borough with his housemate Andy and their friend Brian. Before moving there in May 2025, life was very different.
Colin lived in a house where things were difficult. "Things were falling to pieces, things breaking and coming off, it wasn't very nice," he said.
But it wasn't just the house. The Optalis team learned from people who knew Colin well that he'd previously done many things for himself - he used to go out on his own and even rode a motorbike. However, he wasn't doing these things anymore and had struggled with his independence. He felt restricted in what he could do and his lifestyle wasn't as healthy as he wanted it to be.
A new home, a new start
The Optalis team started working with Colin to rebuild his confidence. They created a plan with things he enjoys and helped him find local groups where he could make some friends.
When Colin moved to his new home everything changed. The new house is on a bus route, making it easier for Colin to get to places. Jon, his support worker at Optalis, worked with Colin's social worker to arrange for Colin and Andy to share one support worker between them, giving Colin the freedom and independence he needed. He is now out daily doing activities and has friends he regularly meets.
"When I moved I wanted independence. I'm now walking to the supermarket on my own. I go three times a week and have a coffee. I like it, I like being free," Colin said.
To help Colin feel safe walking independently, he wears an Oysta around his neck - a tracker and personal alarm he can press if he needs help. "It makes me feel safe."
Colin heads out meet his new friends every Friday night at a local disco where he's a big Oasis fan and enjoys taking the mic for "Stand By Me" on karaoke.
Building confidence
The confidence has spread to other areas of Colin's life. He's been a compere at the Optalis carol concert and has spoken about his experience at a local housing event. Recently, he spoke to parents and young adults about supported living at CLASP.
"I was a bit nervous but I smashed it really. After I finished talking everyone clapped," he said. "I do enjoy doing speeches."
Living well
Before moving, Colin wasn't feeling his best physically, so he approached his support team with a clear goal.
"I wanted to be happy and lose some weight," Colin said.
Now he walks regularly and uses an exercise bike every day, putting music on while he exercises. His healthier diet and increased activity have resulted in nearly two stone of weight loss.
"I feel great," Colin explains.
Together with his support team and his housemates, Colin created a menu of healthy food choices. They shop together, cook together, and enjoy meals at home throughout the week - with treats like takeaways on Saturdays and roast dinners on Sundays, sometimes at the pub.
At home, Colin and his housemates take pride in their space, keeping it clean and sharing the cooking. Colin especially enjoys mowing the lawn.
Colin now works at a local charity shop. "I really like it. I stock the shelves and price things up. The people are kind and friendly."
Since his move, Colin has enjoyed some incredible experiences. Last year, to celebrate his 40th birthday, he celebrated in the Royal Lounge at Reading FC - his favourite team - where he gave a speech.
"My life is better than it was before. I enjoy it. I've got friends who all know me."
Supporting the vision in your community
Colin's story shows what becomes possible when someone has the right home, the right support, and the freedom to make choices about their own life. From walking independently to delivering speeches and enjoying incredible experiences, Colin is living the life he wants to live - in a place he calls home, doing things that matter to him.
Social Care Future brings together everyone working toward this vision across Wokingham Borough. The more organisations and individuals who adopt these principles - putting people at the centre, building independence, and creating genuine choice - the stronger our community becomes.
If your organisation supports people in our borough and you'd like to be part of this movement, we'd welcome your involvement.
