Belong celebrates 15 years serving Macclesfield community

Macclesfield has been dazzling in high glamour and glitz as dementia care village, Belong, brought together its customers, families, and the local community for a crystal themed birthday party, celebrating 15 years since opening its doors.

The sweet fifteen was marked with live entertainment, including big band performances from Rich Swings, and the contorting skills of a balloon sculpture artist. Tiaras were on-trend as guests dressed up to the nines for the lavish occasion, whilst sipping bubbly and sharing happy memories of village life over the years with guest of honour, David Rutley, Member of Parliament for Macclesfield. Residents were wined and dined with a three-course meal, before tucking into a confectionery cart hosting their favourite treats.

Belong Macclesfield opened in Upton Priory in autumn 2007, establishing a new era in specialist dementia care. The launch of the not-for-profit village living model has enabled hundreds of customers to enjoy an active life whilst living in a vibrant hub, complete with amenities including a bistro, specialist gym, and a salon. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has recognised its consistent high standards, with the most recent full inspection awarding care provision ‘Outstanding’ status.

Caroline Ray, general manager at Belong Macclesfield, commented: “Celebrating 15 years is a wonderful feeling. We are a strong member of our community; pleased to be experts in dementia care, bringing professionalism and an abundance of love and compassion. Would you believe we have 12 colleagues who have been with us from day one? – It's a testament to the dedication of Belong as an employer and the support of everyone around us.”

David Rutley, MP for Macclesfield, added: “Many congratulations to Belong on 15 years of serving their residents and tenants in Macclesfield and on being an active part in our community. Feedback from families who have experience with Belong’s village is very positive. I wish the team continued success in providing this much needed social care locally over the decades ahead.”

Now expanded to eight locations across the North West and with two more under construction, Belong has enjoyed a number of highlights in recognition of its care, including Platinum status for the end-of-life Gold Standards Framework; top 20 placings at the Carehome.co.uk and Homecare.co.uk awards; as well as a prestigious Gold Investors in People accreditation, securing it as one of the country’s top employers as it continues to grow its team in an ongoing recruitment programme.

About Belong Villages

Belong Limited is a charitable organisation, operating villages with a range of care, housing and support options for older people, as well as extensive amenities in the village centre. These include bistro, hair salon, specialist exercise studio and function rooms. People can choose to live independently in a Belong apartment or within a supported 24-hour care environment.

Belong specialises in supporting people with dementia, and 24-hour care is provided in extended family-sized households, with modern open plan layouts specially designed around the needs of people with dementia. All employees working in Belong villages are trained in dementia awareness, from domestic assistants through to bistro staff. The organisation is also a registered domiciliary provider and can support people in their own home, through its Belong at Home service. All inspected Belong villages and services are rated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding'.

There are eight Belong villages in Atherton, Chester, Crewe, Didsbury, Macclesfield, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Wigan and Warrington, with two more under construction in Birkdale and Wirral. For more information, see:

www.belong.org.uk

Pictured - David Rutley MP for Macclesfield (left), celebrates with Belong Macclesfield, including general manager, Caroline Ray (2nd to right) and CEO, Martin Rix (right).