The spirit of compassion and devotion is well and truly thriving in Macclesfield as carers at dementia specialist, Belong, scoop accolades at its annual Champion Awards.

Colleagues Jackie Green, Caroline Clifton and Lisa Armstrong, were all recognised for their exceptional performance supporting older people to live an active and fulfilling later life.

Winners from the Upton Priory village and its corresponding home care service, Belong at Home, collected their trophies to rousing applause from colleagues from across the region at the iconic Hallé St Peter's venue in Manchester. Later, they relished the chance to let their hair down and celebrate success with their peers.

Jackie Green, lead hairdresser at Belong Macclesfield's on-site salon, picked up the Made-My-Day Award for taking it upon herself to research her clients to ensure they have the best experience at their appointment, for example, finding out about hobbies, former careers, and happy memories to engage the conversation.

Judges were full of praise for Jackie's 'incredibly selfless and caring nature,' and for 'making those around her feel special and lifted.' (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

For those living with dementia, she liaises with families to uncover details about their loved one's preferences, past favourite looks, and takes inspiration from photographs to recreate a haircut from their happiest times.

Prior to appointments, she will meet with customers in their rooms, giving them her time and making them feel relaxed and secure, ready for their salon pamper session with her, as one nomination summarises: 'I cannot express enough her contribution to the lives of those living here and she is without question someone who makes the day of everyone she interacts with.'

Her salon, located on the ground floor of Belong Macclesfield, Kennedy Avenue, reopened in September 2022 after being shut for one-and-a-half years due to COVID restrictions.

Jackie Green, lead hairdresser at Belong Macclesfield's salon, told Macclesfield Nub News: "I try my best to make The Salon a tranquil space where people can come to relax and have a pamper, and they can have a chat or just listen to the music whilst having their hair done. For me, it's my customers that make it a delight to work in The Salon - I've met some lovely people over the years and it's them who make my day!"

Belong Macclesfield, on Kennedy Avenue, Upton Priory. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Meanwhile, recruitment manager, Lisa Armstrong won the Central Services Award for successfully implementing an enhanced recruitment platform, helping to engage the sector's very best talent to the organisation. Judges described her communication skills as 'incredibly impressive', whilst her work coordinating T Level students sets the sector up for future prosperity whilst giving young people the opportunity to earn hands-on experience for their social care qualification.

Finally, admiral nurse, Caroline Clifton was named Mentor of the Year for her role in developing the skills and confidence of colleagues when supporting people with dementia. She also co-leads the village's monthly dementia cafe, B's Cafe, a complimentary service offering non-residents and their carers guidance and advice.

Winners were determined by a panel of independent judges who interviewed finalists chosen from nominations from customers, relatives and colleagues. All were presented with a handmade trophy, designed by Belong customer, Beryl Cadman, as part of a creative competition for the special occasion.

Summarising the event, Belong's chief executive, Martin Rix, said: "It's been another year of hard work and dedication from our teams and so we're pleased to give them the recognition they deserve. To all our finalists and winners: thank you and congratulations for making Belong the best place for our customers to live and for our colleagues to work."

Belong Chief Executive Martin Rix. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

The news follows a year of successes in 2023, with Belong picking up national accolades at the Great British Care Awards, LaingBuisson Awards, and The Dementia Care Awards, amongst others. Meanwhile, its community home care service, Belong at Home, was crowned first place for Homecare.co.uk's Top 20 Large and Mid-size Home Care Groups and is the only not-for-profit operator to have placed every year since 2018.

Belong is a not-for-profit organisation, operating care villages with a range of housing and support options for older people, as well as extensive amenities in the village centre. These include bistro, hair salon, specialist gym and an entertainment venue with licensed bar. People can choose to live independently in a Belong apartment or within a supported 24-hour care environment. There are eight Belong villages predominantly across the North West of England, with another under construction in Birkdale in Merseyside.

Their Macclesfield site opened 17 years ago, and contains a gym, bistro and of course an award-winning salon alongside their welcoming care village.

Belong specialises in supporting people with dementia and nursing care is provided across the village. Residents live in small households, with modern open plan layouts to aid independence. Beyond frontline carers, all employees are trained in dementia awareness, from housekeeping teams through to bistro assistants, and the organisation also employs specialist Admiral Nurses in conjunction with Dementia UK, who work with families and our workforce to equip people with the skills and understanding to better support people with dementia.

Belong are a large employer in our town. 140 are on the books, with three-quarters of their workforce being Macclesfield-based. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

For those living in the wider community, Belong operates an award-winning home care service, Belong at Home, which is ranked in the Top 5 in the country, and a bespoke day care service, known as Experience Days. For more information, please see this webpage.

Belong Macclesfield are a sponsor of Macclesfield Nub News.