Belong Macclesfield celebrates their 15th anniversary today

By Alex Greensmith 30th Sep 2022

Belong Board Member Robert Armstrong and Belong Chief Executive Martin Rix. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)
Belong Board Member Robert Armstrong and Belong Chief Executive Martin Rix. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

A Macclesfield care village are celebrating their 15th birthday today.

The state-of-the-art site on Upton Priory's Kennedy Avenue celebrated their anniversary with a party for residents, their families, staff and the community to attend.

Residents along with staff wore party hats, tiaras and enjoyed celebration cake.

General Manager Caroline Ray was elated with the news.

Belong Macclesfield General Manager Caroline Ray. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"It feels wonderful. I am very proud of Belong Macclesfield. I have been here nine of those 15 years," she said.

"I was looking at our staff list and we have actually had 12 members of staff that have been here since the day we opened. 

"We are a very strong member of our local community and the 15 years has carried on embedding that. 

"Belong Macclesfield are experts in dementia care and we bring our professionalism and abundance of love and compassion." 

The Upton Priory care village opened in September 2007. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

Belong Macclesfield offers six supported 'households' with modern en-suite bedrooms and open plan lounge and kitchen areas plus a vibrant hub for community activities. There are also 18 self-contained apartments for rent.

One of the longest-serving employees Lead Nurse David Williams-Shaw, had this to say about the Macclesfield milestone. 

"I am one of the last learning disability nurses and have done so for over 40 years", he said. 

"I first came here as an agency nurse and was working nights. However, I enjoyed it so much I decided to join the nurse team here. 

Staff member Mel Oakes (right) and resident Jean Collins of Belong Macclesfield. Mel used to cook meals for the Macclesfield care home, and now gives care herself.

"The management team are very supportive. It is a real team place for people working here.

"I like that we are resident-centred and provide a home-life for them. I like that we have interacted with the residents families as well [who like the community can use their cafe, salon and gym as well]. 

"I know every resident in the place and about their history. Without sounding like a cliche, it is more than just residents to us, it is people that we know, friends."

Another long-serving Stalwart Helen Winchester simply stated: "I like working at Belong for the concept, the ethos, and it is like a family here."

Belong Macclesfield can be contacted on 01625 508700. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

Belong Macclesfield was the first ever premises opened by the Belong brand, so our town's support laid foundations for the business to help others, which also has sites in places like Crewe and Atherton.

Belong Chief Executive Martin Rix added: "It is an amazing achievement for Macclesfield to have reached its 15th year." 

"The service we provide is absolutely incredible and a massive testament to our staff for their decidication and commitment. 

"It is great we can welcome the community back to the village following COVID. 

Macclesfield Nub News Editor Alexander Greensmith dons a tiara. (Image - Judith Gibson of Belong Macclesfield)

"We are looking forward to the next 15 years."

Macclesfield MP David Rutley also attended the event, and was later approached for comment by Macclesfield Nub News.

"Many congratulations to Belong on 15 years of serving their residents and tenants in Macclesfield and on being an active part in our community," he said.

"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."

You can learn more about Belong Macclesfield on this link.

See Also: Belong Macclesfield reopen their hairdressers to the public 

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